On the eve of the upcoming elections, the Federation of Transport Trade Unions participated in a series of meetings organized by the CITUB with representatives of leading political forces, with the aim of raising key issues in the transport sector and seeking concrete commitments for their resolution.

Within the framework of the talks, the Chairman of the FTTU, Eng. Aleksandar Shopov, consistently presented the main priorities of the federation – the need for sustainable investments in transport infrastructure, modernization of rolling stock, development of intermodal connections, as well as urgent measures to address the shortage of qualified personnel and increase incomes in the sector.

Meeting with GERB-SDS

At a meeting with representatives of GERB-SDS, the priorities in their election program related to transport and economic development were discussed. From the side of the FTTU, emphasis was placed on the need for clear commitments for investments and a specific share of GDP for the sector.
Particular attention was paid to the topic of concessions and privatization, with the FTTU insisting on guarantees that strategic transport assets will remain public. Despite the questions raised, concrete answers on some of the topics were not given.

Meeting with PP-DB

In a meeting with representatives of "We Continue the Change - Democratic Bulgaria", issues related to incomes, social policy and investments in human capital were discussed.
The FTTU emphasized that reforms should not be implemented at the expense of workers, and the salary increase should be viewed as an investment. The risks of long-term concession agreements, including in public transport and port infrastructure, as well as the need to protect state interests and jobs, were also discussed.

Meeting with "Progressive Bulgaria"

During the meeting with representatives of "Progressive Bulgaria", the importance of social dialogue and the role of the state in the management of strategic infrastructure was emphasized.
The FTTU again raised the issue of the shortage of personnel and the need for a long-term vision for the development of the sector. The Federation expressed a firm stance against the concession of key port terminals and insisted on keeping them under state control. Emphasis was also placed on the development of ports as important logistics hubs and the role of Bulgaria in regional transport links.

Position of the FTTU

The meetings held confirmed that the transport sector is present on the political agenda, but to a significant extent, sufficient concrete, financially secured, and long-term sustainable solutions are lacking.

The FTTU expresses serious concern over the absence of clear commitments on key issues – the level of public investments in transport, income policies, and personnel staffing in the sector, as well as the future of strategic infrastructure. It is unacceptable for decisions with a long-term effect, including concessions and commitments for decades ahead, to be made without sufficient transparency, public control, and guarantees for protecting state interests and workers.

The Federation expects from the future government not declarations, but a clear vision, specific deadlines, and commitments backed by real funding. Without targeted investments in people and infrastructure, the risk of deepening the staffing crisis and deteriorating the quality of transport services remains high.

The FTTU will continue to actively defend the interests of workers in the sector and insist on sustainable policies that guarantee the development of transport as a key factor for the economy and society.