Today, the Chairman of FTTU – Eng. Aleksandar Shopov held a working meeting with the Chairman of the Transport and Road Safety Committee at the Sofia Municipal Council, Ivan Takov, and the municipal councilors Andrey Zografski and Proshko Proshkov.

The chairmen of the trade union organizations from the public transport companies in Sofia also participated in the meeting.

The meeting took place at the invitation of Mr. Takov, with the main topic being the financial framework of public transport in the capital and the need to update the remuneration of workers in the municipal transport companies.

The current state of funding, the accumulated problems related to the shortage of funds, as well as the opportunities for sustainable improvement of working conditions were discussed.

On the part of FTTU, several critically important issues were clearly and categorically raised:

• the rumors that appeared in the public space regarding a potential granting of a concession for a part of the public transport in Sofia;

• guaranteeing the regular payment of labor remunerations;

• poor working conditions;

• the need to increase basic wages.

On the part of Ivan Takov, it was stated that there is no intention to grant concessions for activities of the public transport, and it was emphasized that in the event of any such initiative, the BSP group would oppose it categorically.

Regarding the payment of salaries, reassurance was given that there are currently no difficulties and remunerations are paid regularly.

During the conversation, a common understanding was expressed that despite the difficult financial situation and the lack of an adopted budget, it is necessary to find solutions for increasing remunerations and for real improvement of working conditions – providing spare parts, renovating the rolling stock, and achieving better material facilities.

Eng. Shopov stated that it is necessary to use the opportunities provided by the state instead of spending public funds unnecessarily. In this regard, he once again presented the activities of the "Working Conditions" Fund, emphasizing that through it, employers can receive financial support to improve working conditions, increase safety, and prevent occupational risks. He added that the active use of this tool is essential both for protecting the health of workers and for a more efficient and appropriate management of public resources.

It is expected that within two weeks, the companies will BHK present detailed calculations of the funds needed for the increase of remunerations and for financing measures to improve working conditions.

A new meeting will be scheduled to discuss specific steps and decisions in the interest of the workers and the stability of the public transport in Sofia.