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3 clusters · 6 sources · 8 days · First seen · Last updated

Bulgaria work‑tenure reform

Overview

In July 2026 the government announced a shift from calendar‑day to hour‑based seniority calculation, counting a four‑hour day as half a day and halving statutory leave from 20 to 10 days. Parliament approved the amendments on 22 July, confirming the new method and its application from 1 January 2027. Proponents say the change clarifies part‑time contracts and curbs fictitious employment; employers argue it creates equal treatment. Trade unions and critics warn it could hurt low‑wage workers, delay pension eligibility and cut seniority bonuses. The reform is estimated to affect roughly 62 000 part‑time employees and over 300 000 citizens. On 30 July the Bulgarian Ombudsman Velislava Delcheva announced a complaint to the Constitutional Court, alleging procedural flaws and a lack of impact assessment. The measures still face a possible presidential veto or constitutional review.

Entities

Maria Mincheva · Velislava Delcheva · Bulgarian Chamber of Commerce · Bulgarian Labour Code · Bulgaria

Timeline

  1. 27 days ago

    [POLITICS] 2 sources
    Bulgaria's new labor law changes part‑time work seniority rules

    Bulgaria's 2027 labour code reform makes part‑time seniority proportional to hours worked, sparking union criticism and an Ombudsman complaint to the Constitutional Court.

  2. about 1 month ago

    [POLITICS] 3 sources
    Bulgaria to change seniority rules for 4‑hour work contracts

    Bulgaria's parliament approved amendments to count 4‑hour workdays as half‑day seniority and halve annual leave, aiming to curb fake part‑time contracts; unions fear it hurts vulnerable workers.

  3. about 1 month ago

    [POLITICS] 2 sources
    Former Bulgarian labor minister Kristina Kristova supports new hourly‑based work‑tenure rule

    Former Bulgarian labor minister Kristina Kristova backs a reform to calculate work tenure by hours, affecting pensions, leave and severance but not social‑security contributions.

Sources

burgasinfo.com · dariknews.bg · news.plovdiv24.bg · petel.bg · standartnews.com · vevesti.bg