A public transport strike in Sofia, Bulgaria, which lasted six days, has come to an end following a government intervention that promises salary increases for transport workers. The strike, which began on May 14, disrupted the daily commute for thousands of residents, leading to significant political tensions and public outcry.

Key Takeaways

  • The strike lasted six days, affecting buses, trams, and trolleybuses, while the metro continued to operate.
  • Trade unions demanded a monthly salary increase of 400 leva, which was negotiated down to 300 leva.
  • The government allocated 15 million leva to support the salary increases.
  • Political tensions escalated between the ruling GERB party and the opposition We Continue the Change coalition.

Background of the Strike

The public transport strike in Sofia began on May 14, with workers demanding higher wages amid rising living costs. The transport unions argued that the current salaries were insufficient, especially given the increased workload and overtime demands. The strike involved buses, trams, and trolleybuses, while the metro service remained operational to accommodate commuters.

As the strike progressed, the situation became increasingly tense, with union leaders threatening to extend the strike indefinitely. The unions initially sought a pay increase of 400 leva per month, escalating to 500 leva the following year, and 600 leva in subsequent years. However, the Sofia municipality cited budget constraints, leading to a stalemate in negotiations.

Government Intervention

On May 19, former Prime Minister Boiko Borissov announced a government intervention to resolve the crisis. He stated that the government would allocate 15 million leva from the state budget to facilitate a salary increase of 300 leva per month for public transport employees. This announcement was made during a meeting with union representatives and city council members, where Borissov criticized Sofia Mayor Vassil Terziev for his handling of the situation.

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The intervention was seen as a political maneuver, with Borissov positioning himself as a savior in a crisis that many believe his party had a hand in creating. The mayor, from the opposition We Continue the Change coalition, has faced criticism for his inability to resolve the strike and has accused Borissov of using the situation to undermine his administration.

Resumption of Services

Following the announcement of the deal, union leaders confirmed that public transport services would resume on May 20. Georgi Panayatov, head of the transport sector in the Podkrepa trade union federation, stated that while services would restart, the unions would continue to advocate for better pay and working conditions in the future.

The strike had significant implications for daily life in Sofia, particularly affecting students preparing for school-leaving exams. The Education Minister had to mobilize additional resources to ensure students could reach their exam venues amid the transport disruptions.

Political Fallout

The strike has intensified political rivalries in Sofia, with accusations flying between the ruling GERB party and the opposition. Supporters of the We Continue the Change coalition have organized protests in solidarity with Mayor Terziev, arguing that the strike was orchestrated by GERB to discredit his administration.

In conclusion, while the immediate crisis has been resolved with the resumption of public transport services, the underlying issues of worker compensation and political accountability remain contentious topics in Sofia’s political landscape. The government’s intervention may provide temporary relief, but the long-term solutions to the systemic problems in Sofia’s public transport system are still needed.

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