National protests of workers in social homes in Bulgaria started on September 25 2007.

Protesters in front of the Labour and Social Policy Ministry in Sofia demanded a 20 per cent salary rise, Focus news agency said.

Protests have been organised by the Social Help and Services Union, the largest member of the KNSB Labour Union.

A 20 per cent rise in salaries was demanded on January 1 2007, but had not been met, protesters said.

Salaries ranged between 180 and 236 leva, the news agency said.

Protesters said that the work in social homes was physically difficult and done by people “with a calling”.
The requirements for our work have been increased and we have to live up to European standards, but our salaries have not changed, they said.

Formally, the employers of workers in social homes are the municipalities in which the home is located, but social homes are the property of the ministry. Consequently responsibilities are shifted back and forth between the two.

Protesters were convinced there was money for the increased salary they demanded.

Finance Minister Plamen Oresharski promised them an increase of 10 per cent, but he has not kept his promise, protesters said.

Protesters accused Labour and Social Policy Minister Emilia Maslarova of speaking with them through the media instead of directly.