Bulgaria is in sixth place in the EU in terms of production value in the metallurgical industry

Bulgaria is in sixth place in the European Union in terms of the value of the output from the metallurgical industry. This was said by the Deputy Minister of Economy and Industry, Irina Stonova, who was present today at the signing of the Branch Collective Labor Agreement in the Metallurgy sector. She added that the output of this industry exceeds BGN 10 billion and forms 15% of the country's GDP, which is proof of its significance at the national level.

"I congratulate you that, despite the crises, you have managed to guarantee better conditions for those working in the sector", stressed Deputy Minister Stonova. According to her, the contract is proof that when there is an active social dialogue between employers and unions, the end result is better conditions for workers. She also emphasized that the metallurgical industry is the backbone of the Bulgarian economy and the basis for the development of many other economic sectors, and behind the good results are all those working in this sector.

The sectoral collective labor agreement was signed by the Bulgarian Association of the Metallurgical Industry, SF "Metallici" at KNSB and NF "Metallurgy" at KT "Podkrepa". It foresees a minimum wage of BGN 950, almost double pay for night work compared to the national levels (BGN 1.80/hour compared to BGN 1/hour for the country), overtime up to 300 hours a year, etc.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Labor and Social Policy Lazar Lazarov, KNSB President Plamen Dimitrov, BSK Board Chairman Dobri Mitrev, representatives of branch and trade union organizations, and business took part in the event.