The working conditions in public transport – the reality without rose-tinted glasses!

In recent days, the chairman of FTTU, Eng. Alexander Shopov, together with Vice President Ognyan Atanasov, visited the workplaces and sites in "Metropoliten" EAD and "Stolichen Electrotransport" EAD.

The inspection in "Stolichen Electrotransport" EAD was carried out in accordance with the agreement between CITUB and the Labor Inspection Executive Agency (GIT), with representatives of the inspection also participating, who made an immediate assessment of the working environment and working conditions on site.

The visits revealed an urgent need for repairs and overall improvement of employees' living conditions. The need exists for:

• repair and renovation of sanitary facilities and living quarters;

• refurbishing and modernizing workspaces;

• replacement of worn-out window frames;

• provision of new furniture, including chairs;

• improvement of restrooms.

The real picture, however, is even more worrying. In some bases, the working conditions are appalling. These are not isolated omissions, but the result of years of systemic postponement of decisions and a lack of consistent investment policy in the working environment. The problems are not recent - they have been accumulating for years and are now critical.

The executive directors of "Metropoliten" EAD and "Stolichen Electrotransport" EAD pledged, together with FTTU, to prepare and submit project proposals to the "Working Conditions" Fund, aimed at specific measures to improve working conditions, reduce occupational risks, and increase safety and health at work.

At the end of 2024, the Sofia Municipal Council allocated 15 million BGN to improve the working conditions in "Stolichen Avtotransport" EAD and "Stolichen Electrotransport" EAD, but these funds are extremely insufficient compared to the real needs, as only part of them has been secured so far. This funding cannot compensate for decades of underinvestment and neglect of the working environment.

Particularly troubling is the fact that the "Obelya" depot and the first sections of the metro were put into operation back in 1998—more than 25 years later, it is unacceptable that the working environment and living quarters have not undergone comprehensive modernization in line with contemporary standards.

If urgent and realistic measures are not taken now, "Metropoliten" EAD will follow the fate of other transport companies where serious staffing problems and persistently deteriorating working conditions are already being observed.

Poor working conditions are not merely an aesthetic problem. They lead to:

• increased risk to the health and safety of workers;

• demotivation and professional burnout;

• a higher number of sick leave absences;

• turnover and departure of experienced staff;

• inability to attract young specialists.

There is no way to attract a young person to start working with a depreciated material base, poor living conditions, and unattractive pay. And when this is combined with a sense of lack of perspective and support, leaving becomes a logical choice. Thus, the system is gradually bleeding out, and the risk to the sustainability of public transport increases.

The Federation of Transport and Trade Unions will not limit itself to these visits. More inspections are forthcoming at various bases and sites in the sector to create a comprehensive and objective picture of working conditions. The results will be made public.

FTTU will continue to insist on:

• provision of adequate and targeted funding;

• specific commitments with clear deadlines for implementation;

• real control over the implementation of repair and investment programs;

• a long-term strategy for improving the working environment across the entire sector.

In the absence of adequate actions, we will inform the European Transport Federation (ETF) and European trade union organizations about the state of workplaces in Bulgaria. It is unacceptable for workers in public transport in a European capital to work in conditions that do not meet modern requirements for safety and dignity.

The dignity of labor can no longer be postponed. Real solutions are needed—now!