Sofia Bus Riders Face Disruptions as Workers Stage Protest

Sofia Bus Riders Face Disruptions as Workers Stage Protest

Commuters ⁣in Sofia may experience significant disruptions to their travel plans on December 20th as disgruntled employees ‌of the metropolitan transport system prepare to stage a protest. The Federation of Transport Trade Unions at KNSB has announced a demonstration in⁤ front of the “Zemlyane” bus ⁤garage in the Krasna Polyana district, wiht the action set to begin at 5:00 a.m. The protest stems from an ongoing dispute​ over the lack of a new​ Collective Labour Agreement.

The KNSB accuses ⁤”Stolichen Autotransport” EAD of refusing to engage in‍ dialog regarding the drafting ​of a new contract. ⁢In contrast, the Union of Transport Trade Unions in bulgaria ‍claims that the KNSB ‌is the party obstructing the discussions. “Stolichen Autotransport” has categorically denied these allegations,stating that they are not​ preventing the conclusion of a new Collective Labor Agreement.

the protest will ⁤result‍ in the suspension of service for 26 bus lines, impacting a ​significant ⁣portion of the‌ city’s public ‌transportation network.​ the affected lines include numbers 102, 83, 11, 54, 42, 64, 111, x9, x10, 63, 84, 77, 304, 260, 108, 802, 805, 803, 56, 44, 47, 49, 59, 61, ⁣66 and 107.

Workers Stage Protests Over Stalled Labor‍ talks

Tensions are mounting in Bulgaria’s public transportation sector as workers from‍ “Stolichen Autotransport” EAD stage protests to demand a new collective labor agreement. The workers, represented by​ the “Podkrepa” Federation of Trade Unions, say negotiations for a⁣ new agreement have stalled, leaving them without a guarantee of additional benefits.​ The situation escalated after ‍December 17, 2024, when the company’s previous collective labor agreement (KTD) expired. Workers say this puts their additional benefits at risk and are calling for a return ⁤to⁢ the negotiating table. According to the KNSB (Confederation of Independent Trade Unions in Bulgaria), the executive‍ director of “stolichen Autotransport” EAD, Mr. Stylyan Manolov, has blocked attempts at dialogue and negotiations. ‌​ “Their desire for a normal social dialogue with​ the‍ management and negotiations for an increase in their remuneration and ​additional benefits was ‍blocked by the executive director Mr. Stylyan Manolov, KNSB added.” Frustrated by the lack of progress, workers and employees are now resorting to active protest actions to voice their dissatisfaction ‌and demand ‌a fair resolution to the labor dispute. ​
Please provide​ me with the text you want ⁢me to summarize. I need⁤ the‍ content to ⁣be able to create a ‌summary for you! 😊

## Sofia Bus Riders Brace for Service Disruptions as Workers Protest



**Archyde: sofia -**



Commuters in Sofia are facing potential travel chaos on December 20th as employees of the city’s metropolitan transport system, KNSB, prepare to stage a protest. The Federation of Transport Trade Unions has announced the action due to stalled labor negotiations. To understand the impact on commuters and the reasons behind the protest,we are joined by [Alex Reed Name],a representative from the Federation of Transport trade unions.



Welcome to Archyde.



**[Alex Reed Name]:** Thank you for having me.



**Archyde:** Can you tell our viewers what specific issues are leading to this protest and why December 20th was chosen as the date?



**[Alex Reed Name]:** Certainly. We have been engaged in negotiations wiht KNSB management for months now regarding [Clearly articulate the key demands of the union, e.g., wages, working conditions, benefits].Unluckily, progress has been stalled, and we feel that our concerns are not being adequately addressed. We chose December 20th because it’s a busy travel day, and we feel it’s important for the public to understand the urgency of these issues.



**Archyde:**



Many commuters rely heavily on the bus system in Sofia. what message do you have for them regarding potential disruptions on December 20th?





**[Alex Reed Name]:** We understand that this protest will cause inconvenience, and we sincerely apologize for that. However, we believe that taking this action is necessary to fight for fair treatment and improved working conditions for our members, which ultimately benefits the entire community. We urge commuters to plan option travel arrangements and to show their support for our cause.



**Archyde:** What is the Federation of Transport Trade Unions hoping to achieve with this protest?





**[Alex Reed Name]:** Our goal is to compel KNSB management to return to the negotiating table with a willingness to compromise. We are seeking a fair resolution that addresses the concerns of our members and ensures the long-term sustainability of the public transport system in Sofia.



**Archyde:** Are there any ongoing discussions or mediation efforts to avert the strike?



**[Alex Reed Name]:** We remain open to dialog and are willing to engage in good faith negotiations. However, at this stage, KNSB management has not shown a willingness to make concessions. The ball is in their court.



**Archyde:** Thank you for shedding light on this developing situation. We will continue to monitor the situation and update our viewers on any developments.



**[Alex Reed Name]:** Thank you for having me.



**Archyde:** Stay tuned to Archyde for further updates on the Sofia bus protest.