Bulgarian MPs Pass Restrictions for Use of Leave Days

Bulgarian MPs passed Wednesday the amendments of the Labor Code, restricting the use of paid leave by workers and employees. File photo

Bulgarians can now use their annual paid vacation leave only during the respective year, according to the amendments of the Labor Code passed by the Parliament Wednesday.

In the beginning of each year, the employer must create and approve a schedule for the use of paid leave making sure all workers have the opportunity to take a vacation within this same year.

The paid leave, accumulated so far, must be used up by the end of 2011 or will be lost.

The Members of the Parliament further allowed employers to sent workers on unpaid leave for up to 60 days if business is slow as long as the company applies the cabinet’s measures for maintaining job positions and the worker was employed full time.

In 2011, the employer will be further able to postpone vacation leave by 10 days if there are major business reasons. Workers, who have taken long-term sick or maternity leave can use their vacation during the following year, but only if they take all days at once.

The MPs lowered the minimum threshold for fines imposed on employers when there are violations of the labor laws – from BGN 10 000 to BGN 1 500.

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