After months of intensive negotiations, tension, in-depth discussions and real preparation for protest and strike actions, the workers at "Gradski transport" EAD – Varna achieved an important success.

We remind you that after the negotiations for a new Collective Labor Agreement reached a serious crisis, at the invitation of the Mayor of Varna Municipality, Blagomir Kotsev, a meeting was held between the management of the municipality, the Federation of Transport Trade Unions and the trade union organization in the company. It was at that moment that a commitment was made to seek solutions that would allow the signing of a new Collective Labor Agreement and to find a financially secured compromise in the interest of the workers and citizens of Varna.

Today, this commitment is already a fact.

A new Cooperation Agreement was signed, with which the parties undertake joint commitments for the sustainable development of urban transport, improving working conditions, solving the staff deficit, ensuring decent pay and joint actions to guarantee the necessary state and municipal funding.

The agreement also provides for an increase in basic wages by EUR 58 per month from August 1, 2026, as well as a 10% increase in pay for work during public holidays.

For the implementation of the agreed measures, Varna Municipality provided a total financial resource of EUR 900 thousand, which includes the funds for the increase of labor remunerations, as well as the necessary financing to cover the increased fuel costs of the company.

Thanks to the constructive approach of Mayor Blagomir Kotsev and his team, who actively committed to finding a solution, the necessary foundation was created for the successful conclusion of the negotiations.

After the signing of the agreement, it also became possible to sign the new Collective Labor Agreement in "Gradski transport" EAD – Varna – the result of long, difficult and often tense negotiations, in which the Federation of Transport Trade Unions consistently defended the interests of the workers.

The agreed increases lead to a significant improvement in remuneration. After the first increase of basic wages by 5%, starting from January 1, 2026, and the additional increase of EUR 58 from August 1, 2026, agreed with this agreement, the total increase of the basic wage for the year reaches EUR 115 for a driver and EUR 109 for a mechanic. Thus, the basic wage of a driver reaches EUR 1,265, and of a mechanic – EUR 1,139.

FTTU expresses its gratitude to all trade union members for their patience, unity and readiness for action throughout the negotiation process. It was precisely their support that was the strongest argument at the negotiating table.

FTTU will continue to work for decent pay, better working conditions and sustainable development of public transport, because strong public transport begins with protected and motivated transport workers.