Bulgarian Gorubso Miners Finally Get Overdue Wages

Striking miners in southern Bulgaria complained of grave violations of labor relations, including salary payment delays for months, inadequate working clothes and safety conditions. Photo by BGNES

Miners at the Bulgarian metal mines of Gorubso Madan are going to finally receive in just minutes their salaries overdue for many months.

Speaking Saturday for the Darik radio weekly political talk show, Bulgaria's newly appointed Economy and Energy Minister, Delyan Dobrev, said the money would be wired by 1 pm the same day.

It was reported late Friday evening that Bulgarian businessman Nikolay Valkanov is taking over the concession of the Gorubso Madan metal mines from Valentin Zahariev. The agreement was signed after 10 pm at the Economy Ministry in the presence of Prime Minister, Boyko Borisov, and of the Economy and Energy Minister.

On Saturday, Dobrev told the Darik radio host that the new owner is in the process of transferring money from First Investment Bank to EIbank and DSK bank where the accounts of workers at Gorubso Madan are held.

The Minister confirmed that Valkanov had bought the company with all its assets and liability.

"This was the best possible development because if we had to withdraw the concession, the miners would have lost their jobs, due wages and benefits. They could have stayed jobless for over a year," said he.

Dobrev was adamant that from now on the State would not seal deals with concessionaires without obtaining sound proof they are responsible businessmen. With amendments to the law, individuals or companies that have declared bankruptcy or have outstanding debt, will be banned from bidding for concessions.

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