Eurostat data for 2025 shows that the average actual working week in the EU is 35.9 hours. In Bulgaria, it reaches 38.7 hours, which places us, together with Poland, immediately after Greece, where 39.6 hours were reported.

Another result is even more telling – 82.8% of workers in Bulgaria worked between 40 and 44.5 hours per week. This is the highest share among EU countries.

The data once again brings into focus the important issue of working hours, working conditions, and work-life balance.

For the transport sector, the topic is of particular importance. Shift work, night and overtime work, as well as the need for continuity of transport services, require special attention to the organization of working hours, sufficient rest, and the safety and health of workers.

The situation remains particularly worrying for drivers in public transport. The Federation of Transport Trade Unions recalls that for 2025, the overtime worked by drivers reached up to 221,000 hours per year, with almost no driver who did not work overtime.

For FTTU decent work is not measured by pay alone. It also means fair working hours, real rest time, safe working conditions, and protection of workers' health.

Eurostat data and the real situation in the transport sector show how important it is that the issues of working hours, staff shortages, and workload continue to be among the main topics in social dialogue and collective bargaining.

You can see the full article on the Eurostat website: https://ec.europa.eu/eurostat/statistics-explained/index.php?title=Actual_and_usual_hours_of_work