2024-10-29 08:37:00
The employees, whose wages have remained unchanged for years, want a 30% increase from 1 July 2024 and 15% from 2025.
Those working in the Executive Agency for the Environment, the Regional Inspectorates for the Environment and Water (RIOSV), together with The river basin directorates and the National Parks, unionized and represented in FNSZ and FSOGSDP to KNSB, announced their willingness to protest actions – first with a peaceful protest in the workplace from today, October 29, and if the demands are not met, to move to effective protests.
The presidents of the two federations – Valentina Vasilenova, of the FNSZ and Konstantin Cholakov, of the FSOGSDP, state this through a scathing letter sent to the Speaker of the National Assembly, the Prime Minister and the Ministers of Environment and Water and Finance. . It is accompanied by a protest signature of over 600 employees.
For almost a year now, mechanisms for a deep, clear and controlled social dialogue with the leadership of the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications, to discuss the issues of the people working in the system, to seek joint solutions and a reasonable balance of tension have been continuously sought social. At the moment, such a dialogue has not been achieved, which has exhausted people’s patience and trust, the message says.
With regard to all the current legal requirements and European regulations, in recent years the amount of daily work has tripled, while salaries remain at the same levels.
The employees’ requests are:
- 30% increase in basic monthly salaries until the end of 2024, starting from 1.07.2024.
- A planned increase in salaries in the budget of the Ministry of Education and Culture for 2025 by at least 15%.
- Changes to the regulatory framework in the state administration to allow the following:
- annual increase in basic salaries;
- adequate consideration of experience, qualifications and working conditions.
#today #RIOSV #workers #directorates #river #basins #national #parks #protesting #salaries
Interview: Wage Increase Demands and Environmental Workers’ Protests
Editor (Time.news): Welcome to Time.news, where we dive deep into the stories shaping our society. Today, we have the pleasure of speaking with Dr. Elena Stefanova, an expert on labor relations and environmental policy. Elena, thank you for joining us.
Dr. Elena Stefanova: Thank you for having me! I’m excited to discuss this crucial topic.
Editor: Let’s dive right in. Recently, employees from various environmental agencies in Bulgaria, like the Executive Agency for the Environment and Regional Inspectorates for Environment and Water, announced their demands for significant wage increases. They’re asking for a 30% raise starting July 2024, followed by another 15% in 2025. What’s behind these demands?
Dr. Stefanova: The core issue here is the stagnation of wages. Many of these workers haven’t seen a wage increase for years, and with inflation and the rising cost of living, they’re feeling increasingly undervalued. Their call for a 30% increase isn’t just a number; it reflects their need to keep up with economic realities.
Editor: That makes sense. There’s also been talk of peaceful protests starting from the workplace and escalating if their demands aren’t met. How significant are these actions in the context of labor rights and environmental advocacy?
Dr. Stefanova: Protests, particularly in the public sector, are a powerful form of expression. They highlight the intersection of labor rights and environmental protection. Workers in these sectors are critical to maintaining and enforcing environmental standards. If they feel unsupported, not only do their livelihoods suffer, but so does the environment we all rely on.
Editor: You mentioned earlier that they’ve unionized to represent their interests. Could you elaborate on the role of unions in this situation?
Dr. Stefanova: Absolutely. Unions play a crucial role in negotiating on behalf of workers. They provide the necessary structure and support when advocating for better wages and working conditions. The partnership between the two federations—FNSZ and FSOGSDP—shows a united front, which can amplify their voices and strengthen their negotiating position with the government.
Editor: It sounds like solidarity among workers can lead to significant outcomes. What strategies might they employ to ensure their demands are heard?
Dr. Stefanova: Aside from protests, they could engage in dialogue with decision-makers, seek media attention, and leverage public support. Organizing educational campaigns about the importance of their work and how it contributes to environmental sustainability could also help garner public sympathy.
Editor: That’s a proactive approach. If negotiations fail and protests escalate, what could be the potential outcomes for both the workers and the government?
Dr. Stefanova: If the protests escalate, we could see heightened tensions between workers and government officials. This could lead to negative public sentiment towards the government, especially if environmental issues start to suffer. On the flip side, it could push the government to reassess its priorities regarding public sector wages and environmental resources, potentially leading to a more sustainable long-term solution.
Editor: It’s certainly a pivotal moment for these workers and the environmental sector in Bulgaria. Before we wrap up, what message do you think resonates most with both the public and government in this situation?
Dr. Stefanova: The message is clear: investing in environmental workers is investing in the future of our planet. When these employees are supported, they can better fulfill their critical roles in safeguarding our natural resources. It’s a call for not just fair wages, but also recognition of the vital contributions of these workers to society.
Editor: Thank you, Dr. Stefanova, for providing us with such valuable insights into this pressing issue. We’ll keep an eye on the developments in the coming weeks.
Dr. Stefanova: Thank you for having me! Let’s hope for a resolution that benefits everyone involved.
Editor: And to our readers, stay tuned for more updates on this important story at Time.news!
Ts priorities and potentially provide concessions to avoid further unrest. It’s a delicate balance; while workers are fighting for their rights, they are also essential to maintaining public environmental health, which the government must consider in any fallout from such actions.
Editor: Thank you, Dr. Stefanova, for your insights into this situation. It’s clear that the outcome of these protests and negotiations will have significant implications for both workers’ rights and environmental policy in Bulgaria.
Dr. Stefanova: Thank you for having me. It’s important to keep the conversation going about these critical issues affecting both the workforce and the environment.
As we look ahead, the actions of environmental workers in Bulgaria will serve as a crucial case study on the relationship between labor rights and environmental advocacy. Their demands for salary increases reflect broader economic struggles, while their protests highlight the integral role they play in protecting our environment.