Meeting of FTTU with Stephen Benedict: focus on the future of the trade union movement in Bulgaria

Today, a working meeting was held between the chair of FTTU, Eng. Aleksandar Shopov, expert Mariana Shokova, and Mr. Stephen Benedict.

Mr. Benedict is an established expert in the international trade union movement with many years of experience and in-depth expertise in the field of human and trade union rights, international labor standards, freedom of association, and collective bargaining. He has significant experience in developing strategies for trade union organizing and strengthening the capacity of trade union organizations. In his professional career, he has held key leadership positions within the International Trade Union Confederation, including as director of the Global Organizing Academy and as head of the “Human and Trade Union Rights” unit.

During the meeting, Eng. Shopov presented the federation’s activities since its establishment in 2023, its structure, the sectors covered, and union density. A main focus of the discussion was the challenges facing FTTU related to building new trade union organizations and expanding influence in the transport sector.

In the course of the conversation, Shopov and Benedict agreed on the need to develop a new organizing strategy in Bulgaria, as well as for stronger support from the European and international trade union family, including ITF and ETF, ETUC. Mr. Benedict expressed readiness for the International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC) to support the process by organizing trainings, seminars, and lectures aimed at increasing trade union culture and capacity.

FTTU’s vision for creating a package of incentives, initiatives, and forms of support to encourage trade union membership as a tool for more effective coordination and development of trade union activity was also discussed.

In conclusion, Eng. Shopov outlined his vision for the future of the federation—motivated and active members, a higher degree of engagement in trade union processes, and a significant expansion of trade union coverage in the transport sector.