Today we pay tribute to all workers who have been injured or have lost their lives on the job. This is a day of remembrance, solidarity, and a clear call for safer, healthier, and more dignified working conditions for all.

According to the National Social Security Institute data for 2025, 2,826 occupational accidents were registered in Bulgaria, 76 of which were fatal. The Transport sector continues to be among the riskiest, with 319 occupational accidents and 14 fatalities.

At the European level, worrying trends are also deepening. At a meeting in Nicosia, the ETF Executive Committee highlighted the growing violence against transport workers, the deepening staff shortages, and the declining interest of young people and women in transport professions.

A recent ETF survey of over 1,700 women transport workers reveals a worrying reality:
• over 70% have experienced violence or harassment
• nearly half report that workplace abuse is a common occurrence

These figures reveal daily risks that should not be accepted as normal.

 In Bulgaria, FTTU once again raises the urgent issue of safety in the transport sector. Recent severe tram accidents and other transport incidents clearly point to serious systemic problems:
• staff shortages
• excessive overtime work
• lack of sufficient rest
• outdated rolling stock
• high workload, stress, and risk for workers

Additionally, increasing digitalization, the use of artificial intelligence, and new forms of labor surveillance create new psychosocial risks: increased stress, insecurity, loss of autonomy, and deteriorated mental health.

Today, representatives of institutions, trade unions, and employers' organizations paid tribute to the memory of the victims of work-related accidents. The President of FTTU, Eng. Aleksandar Shopov, laid flowers at the memorial plaque in front of the CITUB building as a sign of respect to all workers who have died or were injured on the job.

The message of FTTU is clear:
Every worker deserves respect, protection, and a safe workplace.

Real and urgent actions are needed:
• Securing adequate staffing, not staff cuts
• Zero tolerance for workplace violence
• Strong preventive measures and real support for victims
• Improving working conditions and modernizing the transport system
• Effective management of emerging psychosocial risks

FTTU will continue to consistently insist on concrete policies and solutions to protect transport workers, because human life, health, and dignity come before everything else.