Mining Unions Oppose Separation of Maritsa East Companies from BEH.

We strongly condemn the Council of Ministers’ decision to separate Mini Maritsa-Iztok EAD and TPP Maritsa East 2 EAD from the structure of the Bulgarian Energy Holding (BEH). This is stated in a joint position by the Podkrepa Trade Union Mining Federation (SMF) and the Federation of Independent Miners’ Trade Unions (FNSM) within the Confederation of Independent Trade Unions in Bulgaria (CITUB). The two organizations say they are ready to take all legal actions available.

The unions have expressed strong dissatisfaction with the decision concerning Mini Maritsa-Iztok and TPP Maritsa East 2. The position is addressed to the Minister of Energy and has been published on the website of Podkrepa Confederation of Labour. However, the trade union organizations describe the minister’s statement as improper.

On Wednesday, Energy Minister Iva Petrova announced the separation of the two companies from BEH. According to her, the move is required under Milestone 93 of Bulgaria’s National Recovery and Resilience Plan. The unions, however, point out that there is a decision by the 51st National Assembly prohibiting separation, division or merger, the sale of shares or stakes, in-kind contributions, and other forms of disposal.

SMF and FNSM note that Petrova previously served as a deputy minister. They also state that the decision was not coordinated with the unions, citing her remarks: You also said, and it has been written on social media, that this had been coordinated with the trade unions, which is not true.