Bulgaria is the poorest country in the EU and with the most expensive food
Bulgaria is ranked among the countries with the most expensive food products in Europe, although workers' wages remain low, warned the president of the Confederation of Independent Trade Unions in Bulgaria (KNSB), Plamen Dimitrov, in an interview with bTV.
"We insist on a minimum increase of 10% in the income of the Bulgarians. It has been known for a long time that we have the lowest minimum wage in the European Union, regardless of whether we calculate it in euros or levs", stressed the union leader.
Dimitrov highlighted the paradox that Bulgaria is among the most expensive countries in terms of food products.
"It is absurd to claim that in countries like France, Germany and Great Britain they get paid more because it is more expensive - their food is not more expensive. This is a fact," he said.
According to the data presented by the president of KNSB, average incomes in the country increased by more than 17 percent in the second quarter of 2024 compared to the same period of 2023. However, a third of Bulgarian employees still receive a salary of up to 1.000 leva, which Dimitrov described as "scandalous", especially with a minimum wage of 933 leva.
The trade unionist emphasizes the need to review the priorities in the state policy.
"Everyone claims that education is a priority. Now because of the war and the army it has become a priority. Of course, this is also important. But how should a teacher react when at the moment the teacher's starting salary is a little less than 2.000 BGN, but now it seems a little against the background of 2.300 BGN per soldier, which is expected from January 1", commented Dimitrov.
He emphasized that the labor market clearly shows the insufficient increase in teachers' salaries, because there is a shortage of personnel in the education sector.
According to the business data referred to by Dimitrov, about 250.000 jobs remain unfilled in Bulgaria.
"Unfortunately, they are less qualified and have lower incomes. The problem there is that the rate of profit on value added is extremely low. In some sectors such as the hotel industry, construction, trade – there we have done what is necessary. The business can import workers," concluded the president of the CNSB.
