Report Session 2 & 3

Hello Friends!

A new member joined us - Vasko Daskalov, he is a President of the Grass Roots Trade Union Organization and a worker in "Stomana - Pernik" PLC, a steel enterprise near Sofia, based in the town of Pernik. The enterprise is about to be privatized in 1999. From 3000 workers in that enterprise 500 are members of this trade-union organization. The members of his family have a total experience in the enterprise equal to150 years! His hobby is trade unionism. The group enjoyed a lot his saying that "Not the production is in danger of bankruptcy, but the management, itself is in such a danger" and "the syndrome of slavery has not been overcome".

During the meeting we discussed again the globalization issues on the base of economy global solidarity. The participants shared their experience that it is not possible to isolate the country from the outer influence, especially in a period when we are in a shortage of investments. At the same time it is not very wise to sell an enterprise to a TNC for the sum equal to the price of three processing machines (we have the concrete example of HYUNDAI ELPROM TRAFO). The main disadvantage of the Bulgarian economy is the loss of markets abroad and the low living standard and consumer capacity of the people. The trade unions must do their best, the investment in the work force e.g. job creation, qualification, etc., to go along with the capital quantity and flow. This could be done by participation in the legislation initiatives and by restricting the influence of the MAI treaty and by strengthening the self-confidence and estimation of the working people.

Bulgaria faces the problem of speculations with the workers' rights and the right for association in the new established private SMEs. The campaign of the trade unions must be forwarded not only to our members but also to the unemployed, self-employed and has to start from the groups in pre-employment age and include also the social disadvantaged groups. Strong employers' organizations are also necessary in order to regulate the rules of the game and to participate in the bargaining process at sectoral, branch and enterprise level. KNSB supports the privatization process but at a socially agreable price. Bulgaria has a national programme for structural adjustments in accordance with Agenda 2000 of the European Union. Materials, statements and information campaign are being elaborated on workers' representation and participation e.g. EWC.

The group agreed that we can discuss also the variant for World Work Councils having in mind the TNC invasion. The positive impact of the case-studies of Lithuania and the Conclusions adopted by the IMF Joint Council for Honda, Mitsubishi, Mazda are good examples of appropriate approach. We consider that a consolidation of trade unions and NGOs and other civil institutions is required in order to meet the challenges of the globalization and privatization.

For the next session 4 we have handed out the two materials Spotlight on Nike and Clean Clothes Campaign, the rest of the materials will be handed out just before the next meeting of the 28th of April.