The Chairman of the FTTU participated in a meeting of the Transport Committee of the National Assembly

Today, the chairman of the FTTU, Eng. Aleksandar Shopov, participated in a meeting of the Transport Committee of the National Assembly, where the draft Public Transport Act was reviewed in a second reading. The discussions focused on specific texts and proposals significant for the development and regulation of the sector.

The Federation of Transport and Trade Unions (FTTU) previously presented motivated proposals on the bill to the chairman of the committee. We express our gratitude that these proposals were taken into account and discussed during the meeting. A significant part of them received support from the members of parliament and were reflected in the final texts, which is an important step towards improving regulation, transparency, and efficiency in public transport.

Among the accepted proposals are key texts related to the introduction of a definition of transport poverty – an important tool for developing policies to support vulnerable groups. In the 'Principles' section of the law, proposals from the FTTU aimed at:

* protecting the social rights of workers and employees in public transport;

* ensuring decent working conditions in the provision of public services;

* guaranteeing accessible mobility;

* reducing transport poverty by providing access to public transport for all population groups.

These texts create an important normative basis for socially responsible development of the sector and place human and public interest at the center of transport policies.

During the meeting, a number of key issues related to the organization, financing, and control of public transport, as well as the need to improve the quality and accessibility of services for citizens, were considered and discussed.

Despite the progress achieved, the members of parliament did not support the FTTU's proposal to introduce a new 'Article 37a'. It envisaged the mandatory inclusion of social criteria in the awarding of services of general economic interest for passenger transport, including:

* compliance with labor and social legislation;

* guaranteeing fair working conditions and remuneration;

* application of collective labor agreements;

* effective control and the possibility of sanctions for non-compliance.

The absence of this text in the final version of the law is a serious omission. This decision reflects the influence of certain economic interests that do not sufficiently emphasize the protection of sector workers.

The absence of clear and mandatory social criteria in the awarding of public services creates a risk of worsening labor conditions and undermining social standards. This, in turn, can have a negative impact on the sustainable development of public transport and the quality of services provided. The bill is yet to be submitted for review and voting in the plenary hall, where the members of parliament will have the opportunity to make a final decision.

The FTTU will continue to uphold its positions in defense of workers and for the development of fair, sustainable, and accessible public transport.