Protesters in Burgas, including eco-inspectors, raised banners with slogans like „We are tired of being ignored by the employees of the Ministry of Environment and Waters!“, „Today – a peaceful protest, tomorrow – an effective protest!“ and „We want a salary increase.“
The employees of the Executive Environmental Agency, the Regional Inspectorates for Environment and Water, the Basin Directorates and the National Parks demanded fair remuneration to reflect their high qualifications and the work they do on a daily basis. They expressed their readiness for more effective protest actions if they do not receive the requested 30% increase in their basic monthly salaries by the end of the year, along with a minimum 15% increase starting next year.
Chairperson of the Federation of Independent Agricultural Trade Unions within the Confederation of Independent Trade Unions in Bulgaria, Valentina Vasilionova, stated that the protesters will not back down from their demands. According to her, they are among the lowest-paid in the Bulgarian state administration.
„We insist that there should be a change in the statutory regulation to ensure that these public servants work for adequate remuneration and annual increment that is commensurate with the cost of living and normal recognition of their qualifications, seniority and experience.“
Svetozar Dimitrov, who is a chief expert at the Executive Environmental Agency, explained that the gross salaries for the different employees start from BGN 1,200 and reach up to BGN 1,700. In his words, this is humiliating, given the nature of their work, which is not easy at all.
„Our work is primarily field-based. We collect samples of water, soil, air, and radiation – various components of the environment. These samples are then analyzed using equipment in the laboratory. This process is demanding, as we cover between 100 and 300 kilometers a day, facing various dangers along the way. Our work also involves heights, sometimes we take samples from 100 meters above ground. For this reason, we insist on a salary increase.“
The protest is national and is being held simultaneously in front the buildings of the Regional Inspectorates of Environmental Protection in Burgas, Varna, Vratsa, Plovdiv, Montana, Stara Zagora, Ruse, Veliko Tarnovo, Haskovo, Pazardzhik, and Sofia.
