site.btaMPs Vote to Increase Hourly Pay for Sign Language Translators

Parliament Tuesday amended on second reading the Bulgarian Sign Language Act to increase the translators' hourly rate, setting it at 5% of the minimum wage for the respective year.

Based on the minimum wage of BGN 780 for 2023, the hourly rate will increase to BGN 39 from the current BGN 10, MP Iskren Arabadzhiev of Continue the Change, who moved the amendment, told BTA.

Until now, the hourly rate was set by a decision of the Council of Ministers on a proposal of the Labour and Social Policy Ministry.

The amendments also make it possible for Philology graduates with a bachelor's degree in the Bulgarian Sign Language specialism to become sign language translators.

Deaf and deafblind people are entitled to up to 120 hours of free translation into Bulgarian sign language every year. Deaf and deafblind undergraduates and doctoral students are entitled to additional translation services of up to 60 hours per term.