A new bonus pay system will be introduced from the first November in metropolitan motor transport and electric transport. This became clear after the signing of an agreement between the mayor of Sofia, Vasil Terziev, and representatives of the transport unions. The agreement builds on earlier agreements from February this year to increase remuneration in the sector.
Tensions and negotiations
The introduction of the bonus system was called into question at the beginning of October, when the Metropolitan Municipality reported a lack of financial opportunity and the need for a postponement. This caused social tension among those working in municipal transport companies. The Federation of Transport Trade Unions at KNSB responded with a warning of protest actions after the parliamentary elections if no solution is found.
Details of the new system
After intensive negotiations, which continued last week, the agreement foresees the introduction of three load categories for "Metropolitan transport" and two for "Metropolitan electric transport". For the busiest category in ground operators, mileage will be assessed at 0.013 percent of the minimum wage. Service workers and administrative staff will receive bonuses equal to 80 percent of the average driver bonus.
Commitments for the future
The parties undertake to hold joint meetings with the Ministry of Finance and the Ministry of Transport to secure the funds owed by the state for compensation of the city transport of the Metropolitan Municipality.
Background of the Agreement
Last week, Sofia city transport workers and unions organized a protest over the failure to implement an earlier agreement to introduce a bonus system. In response to this, Mayor Vasil Terziev confirmed that a bonus system will be introduced after a meeting with union representatives.
At the beginning of October, Terziev expressed a desire for the bonus system to come into force with the budget update, planned for the end of October or the beginning of November.
Earlier in the year, after a meeting with representatives of the Confederation of Independent Trade Unions in Bulgaria (KNSB) and KT "Support", the mayor announced a 15 percent increase in the basic salary in urban transport from March 1. Then he emphasized the need to develop a bonus system that covers not only drivers, but also other employees in the sector.