Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 2019, published 109th ILC session (2021)

Protection of Wages Convention, 1949 (No. 95) - Bulgaria (Ratification: 1955)

The Committee notes the observations of the Confederation of Independent Trade Unions (CITUB) received in 2016.

Article 4(2) of the Convention. Partial payment in kind. Further to its previous comments, the Committee notes that section 13 of the Ordinance on the structure and organization of wages (2007) provides that the internal rules or individual contracts determine the conditions of payments in kind. It recalls that in accordance with Article 4(2), appropriate measures shall be taken in cases in which partial payment of wages in the form of allowances in kind is authorized to ensure that: (a) such allowances are appropriate for the personal use and benefit of the worker and his family; and (b) the value attributed to such allowances is fair and reasonable. The Committee requests the Government to provide information on the measures adopted in this regard.

Article 7(2). Works stores. Further to its previous comments, the Committee notes that section 294(2) of the Labour Code provides that the employer can, independently or jointly with other bodies and organizations, provide commercial and public services to workers and employees by building and maintaining commercial shops and service centres. It recalls that in accordance with Article 7(2), appropriate measures shall be adopted to ensure that, where access to stores or services other than those operated by the employer is not possible, goods are sold and services provided at fair and reasonable prices and that such stores are not operated for the purpose of securing a profit but for the benefit of the workers concerned. The Committee requests the Government to provide information on the measures adopted in this regard.

Article 12(1). Regular payment of wages. The Committee notes that CITUB denounces a rampant practice of irregular payment of wages. CITUB considers that the labour inspectorate does not have enough capacity to deal with the issue. The Committee requests the Government to provide its comments on these matters.