Airport workers in Varna and Burgas will undertake symbolic protest actions, expressing their dissatisfaction with unmet demands for bonuses and higher salaries.
The actions, planned for tomorrow, are a direct response to the discontent caused by a significantly increased workload over the last three months, without corresponding financial compensation.
The protest will consist of wearing special protest badges on their uniforms and displaying inscriptions on service vehicles. The atmosphere of tension is palpable; it seems the workers have reached the limit of their patience. The preparation has been thorough, and their determination is evident.
According to Georgi Nikolov, chairman of the Federation of Transport Workers at KT "Podkrepa", 77% of the Varna airport staff supported the protest by participating in the petition. At Burgas airport, the petition is yet to take place. A wide range of employees are uniting in this demand – ground handling personnel, check-in staff, coordinators, ramp agents, drivers, workshop workers, and even aircraft cleaners have joined the protest. This mass nature of the discontent speaks to serious dissatisfaction among the workers.
Nikolov stated categorically in an interview for "Deneat zapochva", that if some of the demands for increased income, improved working conditions, leave, and breaks are not met, more radical actions – strikes – will follow. He stressed that this is the last warning.
The tension has escalated, and the workers are adamant in their readiness to take more decisive action if management does not respond to their demands. The symbolic protest is a clear message of the seriousness of the situation and the desire for fair remuneration and working conditions. It remains to be seen what the reaction of the airport management will be and whether it will lead to more serious protest actions.