[size=75:38tc4oke]novinite 19 March 2010

100 Bulgarian Workers Go on Hunger Strike over Layoffs

Over 100 workers in a paper plant in Bulgaria’s town of Kostenets have declared hunger strike over an optimization plan of the management.

The specific reason for the strike is the intention of “Paper and Paper Products – Kostenets” Jsc to lay off 24 workers without any compensations, according to a statement of the Confederation of Independent Bulgarian Syndicates (KNSB).

The trade union points out that it has not been informed by the management of the factory about its intentions. What is more, the company has fired the local chair of the KNSB structure, and has appointed another person in his place.

The KNSB intends to take the case to the National Institute for Conciliation and Arbitration with a request to resolve the dispute.

The striking workers demand the dismissal of several company managers, and the appointment of others “who will abide by the laws and will secure orders and raw materials for the proper functioning of the production process.”