Galery

1

Which is one of the most serious problems that the General Central of the Branch Trade Unions will try to resolve in 2011?

We have many problems and have to fight many fields at a time. In Bulgaria, however, the biggest problem remains the assignment of workers without employment contracts or without any contracts. This is such a spread phenomenon that the people are forced to accept these conditions. The problem is especially serious with seasonal workers, where illegal recruitment is very high. People say that it is better to live on a salary rather than to have none, which makes them agree to work under these unfavorable conditions under which they are paid neither health, nor pension insurances.

You could cooperate with the government in the fight against illegal recruitment because your interests are the same. If the recruitment without contracts is minimised the unions will have fulfilled their obligation to the workers and the government will increase its revenue. Have you entered into dialogue with the government on this issue and is there any response from them?

We discussed this issue with officials and this probably has led to intensified inspections and control of companies’ activities in early 2011.

Would you tell us more about the Bulgarian participation in the 16^th World Trade Union Congress?

We have a very serious part in the congress. We are members of the World Federation of Trade Unions for almost 10 years and attend all conferences. I would like to tell you that comparing the congresses organised in previous years, this one in Athens this year is of the largest scale, it is the best organised and with the greatest number of enthusiasts.

Why are the activities renewed in your opinion?

I think that the change of the leadership of the World Federation has played a crucial role for the recovery we see now. The manner of working has changed, there is the zeal and the desire to fight and succeed.

What are the pressing issues which are expected to attract more attention this year?

The congress gathers the unions from around the world to be able to draw up the new targets. They are aimed at improving the working and living conditions of working people worldwide. You know that now, in the times of global crisis, the working people in almost all corners of the world are in a very disadvantageous position, and Bulgaria is one of the countries with the most severe conditions as far as the ordinary employee is concerned. So, this conference is expected to set a package of trade union measures that will help improve the situation of the workers in different countries. It should be brought into action and implemented accurately, so that real success is achieved.