site.btaEconomy Minister, Trade Union to Work Together on Ten Branch Councils

All ten branch councils should be updated to strengthen their functions so that they are able to work to the benefit of the Bulgarian economy and industry. Deputy Prime Minister and Economy Minister Kornelia Ninova, Confederation of Independent Trade Unions in Bulgaria (CITUB) leader Plamen Dimitrov and trade union representatives rallied behind the idea at a meeting on Tuesday. Deputy Economy Minister Dimiter Danchev also attended the meeting. 

The branch councils, among which on chemistry, metallurgy, machine building, light industry, wood processing and food industry, will discuss problems in the respective areas and will put forward proposals to the legislative and executive branch of power. The trade unions and civil organizations will play a key role in decision making. 

During the meeting the sides discussed the draft budget, which CITUB supports, as well as the National Recovery and Resilience Plan. CITUB representatives backed a demand by Ninova for more direct support for businesses instead of loans and financial instruments. Workers’ rights and wages were also at issue.

Minister Ninova and CITUB leader Dimitrov highlighted the good relations between the Ministry and the trade union and agreed to continue meetings on issues on the latest agenda. PP