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Bulgarian railway privatization and staff transition

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2026-10-26 16:28 UTC → 2026-10-28 06:55 UTC · added removed

Bulgarian railway unions have raised concerns regarding the upcoming transition of personnel from the state-owned BDZ to the private operator Ivconi Express. Under a 12-year agreement, agreement signed in February as part of the National Recovery and Resilience Plan, Ivconi Express is scheduled to manage 25% of passenger rail services starting December 13. 13, 2026. Union leaders, including representatives from KNSB and Podkrepa, have demanded that the movement of staff be strictly voluntary, citing a lack of clarity and unofficial reports of non-consensual reassignments. While the Ministry of Transport initially estimated between 580 and 813 employees would move, the figure was later revised to 580. In response to these tensions, Following meetings between Transport and Communications Minister Georgi Peev met with unions Peev, labor unions, and BDZ management to address labor conditions, personnel security, management, a consensus has been reached regarding joint operations. This agreement covers the use of rolling stock, leasing of buildings and qualifications. tracks, schedule coordination, and mutual ticket sales. To manage the transition, five working groups have been established to oversee mobile crews, support staff, social conditions, and ticketing operations, ensuring operations. A significant focus of recent negotiations has been the protection of labor and social rights for transitioning employees. Minister Peev emphasized that vacancies are filled by qualified personnel working conditions, social benefits, and collective bargaining rights must be preserved long-term, including existing perks such as free travel for railway workers. Next steps involve technical refinements, ticketing system compatibility testing, and further meetings to meet state obligations. finalize personnel guarantees.

Versions

  1. 2026-10-28 06:55 UTC Bulgarian railway privatization and staff transition
  2. 2026-10-26 16:28 UTC Bulgarian railway privatization and staff transition

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