1. KRIB
economic.bg - Technologies accelerate our work
Published: 11.05.2024/16/20 XNUMX:XNUMX
Law firm "Georgiev, Todorov & Co." was founded in 1991. It is one of the first Bulgarian law firms, and currently it is among the largest in our country, and it employs lawyers who provide excellent legal services. The firm's successful practice places it in leading positions in the field of legal representation in the country. Key for the law firm are corporate and commercial law, emphasis is on foreign investments in the financial sector, energy, real estate and telecommunications.
Since its establishment, the company has gained considerable international experience. The office is recognized in all international legal directories as one of the best in Bulgaria in many sectors. Two of the most renowned legal directories – Chambers and Partners and Legal 500, have repeatedly ranked the office in first place and recommend it as a leader in the field of legal representation.
The company has advised a number of respected clients, one of the most significant being Microsoft Corporation, which twice nominated Georgiev, Todorov & Co. as its best legal consultant outside the USA. Lawyers are excellent professionals in the sectors in which they specialize.
"Georgiev, Todorov & Co." is the only Bulgarian representative in the international organization Lawyers Associated Worldwide (LAW), which has members from over a hundred countries. The firm is also a member of the Vogel Global Competition Network. Therefore, it has access to a rich information network, which enables contact with leading law firms around the world in disputes with an international element.
We present the "Big Five" of "Georgiev, Todorov & Co." - proven professionals who chose law as their mission and vocation - Prof. Ivan Todorov - founder and senior partner, Adv. Nikolay Lazarov – managing partner, Adv. Alexander Pachamanov, Adv. Arno Mamasyan and Adv. Miglena Peneva – senior partners.
Arno Mamasyan is a senior partner at Georgiev, Todorov & Co. Law Firm. He specializes in civil and arbitration proceedings, corporate and commercial law, property law and privatization. He graduated from the Faculty of Law of the University of St. Kliment Ohridski" and is registered in the Sofia Bar Association, as well as in the Register of Industrial Property Representatives for Inventions, Utility Models and Trademarks. His practice includes participation in projects of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development and the European Stability Mechanism. Successfully advises international clients in various areas regarding investments in local companies, including the licensing regime, gas import and export. Key companies and enterprises rely on his expertise. Arno Mamasyan is an arbitrator at the Court of Arbitration at KRIB.
AREAS OF ACTIVITY: Litigation and arbitration, competition law, intellectual property, corporate and commercial law, real estate and land use, concessions, banking, financial and insurance law, energy law and natural resources.
Adv. Mamasyan, you recently said that artificial intelligence will not be able to replace lawyers anytime soon. What kind of "machine" is a good lawyer today?
Thank God, a lawyer is not and cannot be a "machine", either literally or figuratively. It is difficult to define a "good lawyer", but this definition combines a lot of knowledge and maximum effort in favor of the client.
How has the development of technology personally challenged you to change professionally?
Technology gives lawyers much more information and a much higher speed in their work, which ultimately brings more opportunities, including myself, to work more effectively for the benefit of clients.
What picture of social development and social relations do you see reflected in the mirror of law in 2024?
The process of influencing the development of public relations in the normative framework is slower. In other words, in order to get to the reflection of this change in the social process at the normative level, more time is needed. What happens 'today' we might see 'tomorrow' as changes or a new regulatory framework.
The legal case, or just the question you keep looking for a solution to?
There is one, but it is certainly neither a legal case nor a legal question. However, it certainly has a connection with justice, which nevertheless brings it closer to the legal field.
The text is part of no. 120 of the magazine "Economics". It is published in Economic.bg by virtue of a partnership agreement between the two media. The topics and opinions are selected by the magazine team and do not necessarily coincide with the editorial policy of Economic.bg.
https://www.economic.bg/bg/a/view/tehnologiite-uskorjavat-nashata-rabota
starozagorskinovini.com - The Minister of Social Affairs expressed confidence that the remaining unemployed from the KonturGlobal TPP will find work
Published: 10.05.2024/17/45 XNUMX:XNUMX
Salary between BGN 2500-3500. future employers await the laid-off energy workers The second job fair of the week was held in Stara Zagora today with an emphasis on the laid-off 160 energy workers from the KonturGlobal Maritsa East 3 TPP. 20 of the large employers in the region and some of the remaining unemployed employees participated in the event, organized jointly by the Stara Zagora Municipality, the Ministry of Labor and Social Policy, as well as the trade union organizations of the National Security Council and CT "Support". The event coincided with the day the first affected by the energy transition received their layoff orders. Against this background, the Acting Minister of Social Policy Ivaylo Ivanov expressed confidence that energy workers will find well-paid jobs in the region. "I am optimistic that those people who are currently being laid off in the Maritsa East complex will quickly find work because they are highly qualified. In the region of Stara Zagora, there is a need for a prepared and well-qualified workforce," said Ivanov. The regional governor of Stara Zagora Iva Radeva, the deputy mayor of the Municipality of Stara Zagora Radostin Tanev, as well as the presidents of KNSB and KT "Podkrepa" Plamen Dimitrov and Dimitar Manolov, took part in the job fair today along with the official minister. From the very beginning, the participants in the discussion united around the opinion that the most difficult task before the energy transition is to preserve the qualified workforce in the region where it has been developing until now. Payment between BGN 2500 and BGN 3500. monthly they expect to receive the first laid-off energy workers from the KonturGlobal Maritsa East 3 TPP. Similar attitudes were expressed by those affected by the European "Green Deal" in a survey conducted by trade union organizations. This was announced by KNSB President Plamen Dimitrov during the event. He emphasized that this is precisely the great desire of the employees in the complex. At the same time, they intend to continue their career development in the energy field. In the words of the president of KNSB Plamen Dimitrov, Bulgaria has lost several years in which nothing was done to ensure a smooth and fair transition. "That's why the transformation process for us today is a challenge. Several governments lost valuable time. And that's why we are now catching up with these processes," Dimitrov said during the meeting. He drew attention to the decisions of the parliament to postpone the liberalization of the housing market, as well as to provide 1 billion. BGN of "Mini Maritsa-East" for reclamation within 4 years. According to Dimitrov, the postponement of liberalization gives a breath of fresh air, but according to him, in the next 12 months, an enormous amount of work must be done. He expressed confidence that the European Commission will give the "green light" for financial assistance from the budget for state mines. Plamen Dimitrov argues this with the fact that for decades the state kept the price of coal low, which did not give the company the opportunity to set aside the necessary funds to carry out these activities. Dimitar Manolov also shared the concerns of the president of the National Security Council that nothing has been done in the past years to make the transition smooth today. He addressed the business representatives with the reminder that skilled labor and low wages are completely incompatible. Within the framework of the meeting between business and those affected by the transformation, the official social minister announced that MTSP, together with KT Podkrepa and KNSB, is implementing a project to assess the work abilities, qualifications and desires of the employed 15 people in the coal mining industry in the country. Ivaylo Ivanov pointed out that based on the data from the project, an analysis of the measures and programs that the social ministry can structure to support people and businesses from the affected regions will be ready. "The Municipality of Stara Zagora will protect the interest of the region. We are the most affected by the transition. That's why the municipalities should have their place in the European funding", said Deputy Mayor Radostin Tanev. KRIB. He addressed the rest of the unemployed energy workers with the confidence that the business in Stara Zagora provides no worse wages than those they have received so far in the "Maritsa East" complex. Zhivko IVANOV
https://starozagorskinovini.com/stznews/%d1%81%d0%be%d1%86%d0%b8%d0%b0%d0%bb%d0%bd%d0%b8%d1%8f%d1%82-%d0%bc%d0%b8%d0%bd%d0%b8%d1%81%d1%82%d1%8a%d1%80-%d0%b8%d0%b7%d1%80%d0%b0%d0%b7%d0%b8-%d1%83%d0%b2%d0%b5%d1%80%d0%b5%d0%bd%d0%be%d1%81/
focus-news.net – Regional Governor Dragomir Draganov congratulated the residents of Dve Mogili on the occasion of the city's holiday
Published: 12.05.2024/08/45 XNUMX:XNUMX
The holiday of the city of Dve Mogili - May 11 - was celebrated with a concert by the group "Tonika SV" and the awarding of gifted children and students. Among the guests of the event were the regional governor of Ruse Dragomir Draganov, the people's representative Georgi Krastev, the director of the Regional Directorate for Fire Safety and Protection of the Population /RDPBZN/ commissioner Svetoslav Voichev, as well as the chairman of the Management Board of the Confederation of Employers and Industrialists /KRIB/ for the region Milka Trifonova. "Be proud of the past of this settlement and with positivity and enthusiasm work for its even better tomorrow", said the regional governor in his address to the residents of the city. He also expressed his gratitude to the administration of Dve Mogili Municipality and personally to the mayor Bozhidar Borisov for the good cooperation with the Regional Administration, assuring the leadership of the Municipality of its support in the implementation of various initiatives and projects, especially with a focus on young people. "Despite the difficulties we face at times, the efforts of my team are aimed at overcoming challenges together, solving problems and working for the interests of the residents of the district. I thank everyone who supports constructive ideas for the development of the municipality. Thank you for showing us every day how strong civil society really is. Be convinced that you will find a reliable partner in the face of the Regional Administration - Ruse", the regional governor added in his speech. For his part, the mayor Bozhidar Borisov wished the residents of Dve Mogili health, happiness, luck, perseverance and to continue building the city together . "The history of our city is not so long, it starts from a small village, but we have been a city for 55 years. All this has happened thanks to the people here. Whether a place is good depends on what the people are like. Over the years, the residents of Dve Mogili have proven themselves to be knowledgeable, capable and trustworthy people. This is what contributes to our city and our municipality becoming an increasingly better place to live," said Borisov. He expressed his gratitude for the vote of confidence and indicated that his team will continue to work for the development of the populated areas of the municipality. "We look seriously at every challenge and every opportunity, and not from today to tomorrow, but in a longer period of development with a perspective of 10-15 years. Our town is getting bigger. It has all the features and characteristics for this to happen," the mayor also said and pointed out that he will work for more young people to stay and realize themselves in the city. "Despite all the difficulties, Bulgaria is the nicest country, we just have to become a little nicer to each other, to feel in a community, to consider each other a little more, and then our country and city will really be wonderful places that no one will want to leave," said Mayor Borisov. People's Representative Georgi Krastev shared that he was happy to visit Dve Mogili again, because the people there are always smiling and manage to fill everyone with positive energy. He also expressed confidence that more young people will stay in the municipality and find their fulfillment, for which he pointed out that it is necessary to open well-paid jobs. The Director of the RDPBZN Commissioner Svetoslav Voychev expressed his gratitude that the Municipality of Dve Mogili is working in close cooperation with the authorities of the Regional Directorate and actively participates in the improvement of the fire-fighting infrastructure by building above-ground fire hydrants. "This puts Dve Mogili in the top places, as an exemplary, calm and orderly municipality in Rusensko in terms of fire protection," he said, wishing everyone health and well-being. Commissioner Voichev expressed his gratitude for the responsibility, hard work and diligence in performing the tasks related to fire safety, disaster and crisis situations. A special place in the festive program was dedicated to the awarding of 46 young people from the municipality, who have shown high success and participated in various contests and competitions during the school year. Prize winners were also awarded in the essay contest on the topic "Two Mounds - Present and Future". The first place went to ninth-grader Alexandra Ivanova from SU "St. St. Cyril and Methodius". The second prize was awarded to Maria Kuneva, who is a student in the 12th grade at the same school, and third was the XNUMXth-grader Neihan Adyamov, again from SU "St. St.
2. Employers
manager.bg – Germany set a quota of 25 foreign workers
Published: 11.05.2024/19/05 XNUMX:XNUMX
The Federal Labor Agency has set a quota of 25 foreign workers to arrive in Germany this year. They should stay in the country for no more than eight months. The aim is to support the sectors in which there is an acute need for manpower. Employees are urgently wanted for airports, hotels and restaurants, reports Nova TV.
Temporary appointments are taking place under a new short-term employment system which offers to the employers in seasonal industries or during peak periods, a good opportunity to hire labor from abroad. We are not looking for specialists, but support staff, such as the employers are required to cover travel expenses.
On the one hand, Germany faces an acute need for temporarily employed unskilled workers, but on the other hand, there is a nationwide shortage of highly qualified personnel, such as IT specialists, for example. At the end of 2023, there were a record number of vacancies in this field – 149.
But is Germany attractive as a workplace for foreigners? A study by the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development shows that skilled workers from abroad face significantly more racism than they realized. One in three foreigners expected to be discriminated against in Germany, for example – when looking for housing. Instead, however, more than half of those surveyed have faced discrimination. 37% had similar problems including in shops, restaurants and even on the street, which becomes a problem not only for the affected persons, but also for the entire economy.
In the past week, another topic entered the vortex of broad public discussions - security in Germany.
"Our country continues to be one of the safest in the world. We are a strong constitutional state, with outstanding police forces at the federal level and in all 16 provinces. At the same time, however, there are events that we must name. There has been an increase in violent crimes and those committed by foreigners. That is why today we are talking about the necessary and, in my opinion, firm counteraction by the rule of law, as well as stronger prevention. Last year, 5,9 million criminal acts were registered across the country. Compared to the previous year, this represents a 5,5% increase,” said Interior Secretary Nancy Feser.
She announced that Germany should improve integration and speed up deportations.
https://manager.bg/икономика/germania-opredeli-kvota-ot-25-000-chuzdestranni-rabotnici-
bntnews.bg - Is there a difference in remuneration between men and women in the EU?
Published: 11.05.2024/12/25 XNUMX:XNUMX
Before the elections for the European Parliament, in BNT news we will dispel some of the most popular misconceptions by pointing out the facts about European regulations and how they differ from widespread, but completely false information? Watch our "EuroFalls" series on the Saturday and Sunday lunchtime news.
Will pay secrecy fall and will everyone know how much their colleagues earn - this is what the new European Union Equal Pay Directive, adopted last year, is said to foresee. It turns out that this statement is another Euro fallacy that we will dispel.
Ivan lives on 32nd Street in a small town, and Maria lives on 34th Street. Ivan and Maria grow up together, play together - I will build dams, just like dad, Ivan dreams, and Maria wants to work in the hospital, just like her mother. Years pass, Ivan and Maria graduate. They both started working in the same company - Ivan is an engineer, and Maria works in Human Resources. But Maria's profession is female-dominated and lower paid than Ivan's.
For the year 2023, the pay gap between women and men in the European Union is 13%. This means that when a man earns 100 euros, a woman receives for the same activity 87 euros and 30 cents.
"In a time of post-pandemic crisis, war in Ukraine, high energy prices and inflation, it is even more important to have a gender equality approach and this is at the heart of building a future of the union with equality. Equal pay for women and men must be part of this approach", said Helena Dalli - European Commissioner for Equality in the EP, Brussels.
Women are often unaware of even this inequality. The pay gap has led to the declaration of Equal Pay Day in the European Union. This is the date after which, because of the wage gap, women symbolically start working without money until the end of the year. For 2023, that day is November 15.
In June last year, the new European Pay Transparency Directive was adopted, which should strengthen the implementation of the principle of equal pay for the sexes.
"The Pay Transparency Directive will benefit all workers and all businesses in Europe. Together, we must make people understand that with this new directive, state employees are aware of their rights, a the employers with their duties. In addition, this directive will contribute to economic growth and competitiveness and will eliminate the differences in pay and pensions between women and men", explained Helena Dali.
Each member state has 3 years to transpose the directive into national legislation. And she predicts the employers to disclose what the salary range is for a particular position and will not have the right to ask about a job candidate's previous remuneration. Companies with more than 100 employees will have to provide mandatory data on the differences in pay between men and women, and when they are over 5%, an adjustment must be made to equalize them. Specific fines and criminal procedures will also be imposed by the national authorities. Whether all this will guarantee equal pay between the sexes - it's all a matter of transparency in the company you work for
iskra.bg – Plamen Dimitrov: The energy transition is not fair, and the laid-off workers will receive compensation of up to 36 salaries
Published: 10.05.2024/20/50 XNUMX:XNUMX
"It is a test for us to go through this process. For years we have been trying to draw the attention of successive governments to the need to make a national plan for a just transition, but time has been lost. The transition is not fair. What is happening now with the layoffs at Contour Global is happening in an environment that is not prepared. Right now we are trying to get things done that should have been done 3 years ago. Many things could have happened in a different way, to have greater peace and clarity. In recent months, we have had many meetings with the workers. A month and a half ago at the Kontur Global TPP, when I met with more than 200 workers, no one was talking about layoffs."
This was said by the president of the Central Bank of Ukraine Plamen Dimitrov at the meeting held today in Stara Zagora with some of the released workers from the KonturGlobal Maritsa-Iztok 3 thermal power plant, representatives of local enterprises, and the Acting Minister of Labor and Social Policy Ivaylo Ivanov. The president of KT "Podkrepa" Dimitar Manolov, the regional governor of Stara Zagora Iva Radeva, the deputy mayor of the municipality Radostin Tanev, the vice-presidents of KNSB Ognyan Atanasov and Todor Kapitanov, representatives of the Association of Industrial Capital in Bulgaria, the Confederation of the employers and industrialists and the Bulgarian Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
The purpose of the meeting was to present to the local companies the attitudes and expectations of the workers, for them to meet with the representatives of the companies and to see the specific alternatives for starting work.
The dismissed workers from the KonturGlobal Maritsa East 3 TPP want to continue working in the energy sector.
"Together with the Ministry of Labor and Social Policy, we have done the first mapping of the skills and desires of those working in the tetza for their future career development. The data shows that those registered want to continue working in the energy sector and in the region. A large part do not want to move to other regions of the country and want to receive an income that is similar to the previous one, but not less than it," explained Dimitrov.
He emphasized that the workers indicated that the highest percentage of wages in the sector is between BGN 2500-3500.
"Today we have to see if there is employers, who are looking for people with similar qualifications and what additional qualifications should be obtained if there is a similar profession that is offered with similar remuneration," said Dimitrov.
Dimitrov explained that the decision to postpone the liberalization of household electricity will really make sense if specific actions with coordinated policies are carried out during this one-year period. The funds earmarked for the green transition must reach the enterprises, to the employers, so they can hire people.
The president of KNSB pointed out that the institutions are responsible for the delayed decisions and the lack of such decisions, as well as for the fulfillment of the promise that the laid-off workers will receive compensation up to 36 salaries.
"There must be a stable government with a clear perspective, clear commitments and plans that can be modernized, that can be built as a new power. Everyone is talking about gas, but Bulgartransgaz must run the pipe. It is embedded in her work project, but there is no funding," Plamen Dimitrov told the media.
He pointed out that only if this happens, we can talk about whether something will be gasified in the complex, whether TPP 2 will build a gas plant and whether it will be possible for some of the people who currently work in coal plants to work in gas plants headquarters.
"Retraining is needed. It takes at least 2-2,5 years to build a plant," he said.
Dimitrov expressed optimism that the EC will allow state aid in connection with the parliament's decision that the state allocates BGN 250 million per year to "Mini Mariza East" until the end of 2028 for the reclamation of the grounds.
"The main reason is the suppressed price of coal at non-market levels by the state for decades, and because of this the mine cannot allocate the necessary funds for reclamation. I am optimistic that the commission will allow such funds so motivated," he said.
mediapool.bg - Those laid off from "Maritsa Iztok" do not want jobs outside the energy sector and for less than BGN 3.
Published: 10.05.2024/20/55 XNUMX:XNUMX
The 160 or so workers released from the stopped work at the KonturGlobal Maritsa East 3 TPP want to continue working in the energy sector and keep their salaries of BGN 2500-3000. This became clear during a meeting in Stara Zagora on Friday between the dismissal letters received coal power station employees and 18 employers from the region, who offered 80 vacancies on the spot.
KNSB President Plamen Dimitrov presented the data from a mapping of the skills and desires of the laid-off workers - According to him, people do not want any kind of job, nor do they wish to move to other regions of the country, nor are they inclined to receive lower than their previous remunerations.
"Today we have to see if there is employers, who are looking for people with similar qualifications and what additional qualifications should be obtained if there is a similar profession that is offered with similar remuneration", said the trade unionist.
According to him, it should be clear whether there will really be gas power plants in the region in place of coal plants, which are subject to closure in order to start retraining workers.
Acting Minister of Labor and Social Policy Ivaylo Ivanov also took part in the meeting, who expressed optimism that the currently laid-off people from the "ConturGlobal" TPP will quickly find work, as they are qualified.
"I am convinced that on the basis of the efforts we are making together with the unions, in a very short time they will find a job, and in the territory of the district, since there is a shortage of personnel in the companies that work in the Stara Zagora district". said the minister, quoted by BTA.
According to him, it is important to think about securing jobs for those people who will inevitably be released from the coal complex after July 1 next year, the "Maritsa Iztok 2" TPP will no longer be able to sell electricity to households. This was supposed to happen as early as this July, but the parliament delayed the liberalization of household electricity prices by a year.
"This does not reassure us, because we have to prepare everything else in order to move forward," said Ivanov.
He also said that by the end of the year, the trade unions and the social department will evaluate the qualities and expectations for their future realization of 15 energy workers in the coal regions of Stara Zagora, Kyustendil and Pernik.
The aim is to prepare measures and programs so that there is no tension among the laid-off workers.
The now released workers from the KonturGlobal Maritsa Iztok 3 TPP will receive an average of nine salaries as compensation from the employer si, separately they will receive another 7 salaries, because it is a matter of mass dismissal.
Separately, each laid-off person has the right to unemployment compensation from the National Social Security Institute, the amount of which is 60 percent of the average social security income for the last 24 months, the Minister of Social Affairs recalled. The maximum period for receiving it is 12 months.
The deputy mayor of the Stara Zagora municipality Radostin Tanev commented that the unemployment rate in the region is so low that local companies are practically fighting for staff and are ready to train people.
Regional Governor Iva Radeva explained that within a month or two, funding will be approved under the Territorial Plan for Stara Zagora, with which qualification and retraining of workers in the coal complex will begin, and funds are also provided for the start of an independent business for those affected. from the transition.
bia-bg.com – Is it possible for Bulgaria to introduce a four-day working week?
Published: 10.05.2024/16/45 XNUMX:XNUMX
10.05.2024
Bloomberg TV Bulgaria poll, with the participation of Jasmina Sarivanova (BSK)
The introduction of a four-day working week is becoming more and more relevant in the Western world. Many countries are already experimenting with the idea, which is also on the agenda for Bulgarian enterprises. We asked five experts whether the four-day work week is possible in Bulgaria.
Georgi Parvanov, human resources expert
"In the next two or three years, it is only a matter of time before this happens. It is very important whether we go to a four-day week with a ten-hour workday or an eight-hour week, whether we keep the same pay. To date, the legislation in Bulgaria allows the transition to a four-day work week, but if only single companies from individual branches switch to such a scheme, this will most likely lead to problems. Entire industries and companies must move in an organized manner to a four-day work week.”
Vasil Karaivanov, macroeconomist and lecturer at SU
"Theoretically it is possible, but in practice it will not be so possible. Bulgaria's economy has a relatively lower added value; we have work processes that are not so highly specialized and digitized, so as to allow the reduction of work as a time and as a place of doing the work. Remote work is still not the most possible thing for the Bulgarian economy. Therefore, I think that a four-day work week is a wish, but de facto there is no economic basis and opportunity that the Bulgarian economy can offer. This is not the structure of our economy."
Jasmina Sarivanova, "Social dialogue" expert at the Bulgarian Chamber of Commerce
"In Bulgaria, and at the moment, there are absolutely no legal obstacles for an enterprise to introduce a four-day working week. The Labor Code does not impose any prohibition or obstacle for this. My opinion, and that of BSK, is that this choice should be left to the enterprise level. If the team of an enterprise considers that it can afford such an organization to introduce a four-day work week, then do it. But I don't think it's good to do it nationally. There are sectors where this is difficult, especially in the context of staff shortages. Customers have certain needs - how, if everyone is closed on Friday, the employer to find an additional worker to perform the services. In sectors such as education, medicine, continuous production, it is also difficult to make such a work week.
It should be considered what the labor remuneration and insurance will be - whether the insurance system will not suffer, because labor productivity is also important. If someone works four days, will they have the same productivity as if they worked five days, and will they be able to keep their wages and benefits... The four-day work week is feasible; for a lot employers and workers may bring benefits, but the choice should be left to the enterprise level.”
Yordan Dimitrov, chairman of the Balkan Institute for Labor and Social Policy
"This is quite an interesting and new idea, which will take a long time to be introduced not only in Bulgaria, but also in the whole world. Whether it will be introduced universally for the whole economy or for individual sectors and companies - at least for the moment we do not have enough facts that a four-day work week could suddenly be introduced everywhere. But there could always be a certain event like Covid and the effect of the hybrid way of working. If something like that were to happen here one day, we could have an additional incentive to introduce a four-day work week.
Why do I think it can't suddenly be introduced? Not every company and industry is suitable - there are professions and jobs that are tied not so much to productivity, but to working hours. Reducing working hours to a four-day working week will require additional staff – for a country like Bulgaria where we have a labor shortage and this problem will be exacerbated if these industries introduce a four-day working week, they will have to find people from somewhere.
But there are many other sectors and industries where this is entirely possible. Perhaps in the not-too-distant future, when it begins to be introduced to a greater extent, it will be along the lines of individual sectors and companies.
Would a reduction to a four-day work week lead to a reduction in pay? Regulations could be passed to prevent such a reduction, but for time bound people, not only would their daily rate have to be maintained, but it would have to be increased to maintain the same amount they receive for a month.
It could certainly be considered. It certainly has positive effects on workers such as less stress, more productivity, work-life balance.”
Maria Shishkova, managing partner at Aims Human Capital
"For many people, the introduction of a four-day working week is a dream, for others it is a chimera. It is not impossible to happen, even in the medium to long term it is quite a realistic scenario. Many people do not realize that even now, absolutely legally, they can switch to a four-day work week - having to make a choice with the remuneration they will receive. The market offers the most diverse opportunities, one of which is to work for companies abroad on reduced working hours with a fairly good income.
Can we go to a four day work week everywhere? In principle, it is possible in the medium to long term in Bulgaria."
https://www.bia-bg.com/news/view/32935/
utroruse.com - The biggest problem is the temptation for employers to think that they can find cheap labor in the region, said Dimitar Manolov in Stara Zagora
Published: 10.05.2024/15/50 XNUMX:XNUMX
The biggest problem is temptation the employers to think that they can find cheap labor in the region. This was said in Stara Zagora by the president of KT "Podkrepa" Dimitar Manolov during a meeting of employers from the Stara Zagora region and workers from the KonturGlobal Maritsa-East 3 TPP, who are about to be released.
"Qualified and cheap labor together do not exist. It's either one or the other. Within an open European labor market, skilled labor finds its way easily. The big task is to stay here. The only way this can happen is for the workforce to be properly valued. Here, too, things are not only about the labor market, and only about how I support my family, but about the entire existence of this region. Here are the demography and its future development. My appeal is that we succeed in creating this synergy between workers, employers and unions", he also pointed out.
Manolov emphasized that the situation at the moment is very bad, it does not exude much optimism. A lot of things were left out and a lot of things that we talked about over the years. There aren't many prospects at the moment. The only not so bad news of all that is happening is that you are the first. Because the further this process takes place, I tend to think that it will become more difficult and more difficult, because at the beginning it is more possible to find solutions, he addressed the energy experts present.
The trade unionist appealed the employers to look for the "Labor Offices", because that way the path is shortened. Here we are not talking about some adventurers from the labor market, but about people who have proven over the years their ability, qualities and opportunities to work, explained the president of CT "Podkrepa".
https://utroruse.com/article/1011402/
btvnovinite.bg - Labor shortage in Bulgaria: How can the problem be overcome?
Published: 12.05.2024/10/40 XNUMX:XNUMX
The tourist industry complains about the lack of personnel for the summer season for another year. Hotels and restaurants cannot find workers for all positions, from cleaners to administrators and receptionists.
"I can say that the tourist industry is ready for the season, but it is very worried about the lack of labor at the moment, which is the biggest problem," commented the chairman of the Bulgarian Tourism Association Ivelin Kichukov in the program "This Sunday".
According to him, a similar problem exists not only in Bulgaria, but also in most European countries. And he digs deeper.
"If last year we had 40-000 unfilled jobs, this year we can talk about more than 50 vacancies in the tourism industry in our country," Kichukov announced.
According to him, only the state can help to overcome this crisis through changes in the legislation. He admits that the first steps have been taken - for the first time in 15 years, the issuance of work visas has been eased.
"We don't have qualified personnel. Our universities do not have a direct connection with business and the Tourism sector, nor do our schools. In neighboring Greece, these schools and universities are connected to business, and here the connection is only on paper, at least at this point," commented the representative of the tourism industry.
The topic was also commented on by the chairman of the Association of Industrial Capital in Bulgaria Vasil Velev and the president of KT "Podkrepa" Dimitar Manolov.
“Between education and the employers not a good enough connection. This applies both to the admission plan in secondary professional schools and to higher education. The market needs engineering and technical staff, and the universities are churning out specialists in the humanities and economic sciences, of which we have a surplus, or a smaller shortage," confirmed Vasil Velev.
He reminded that at the moment, machine operators, technicians, welders, and construction workers are most in demand on the labor market.
"The problem is not only with the summer season, it is very deep and it is for a long time. It should be decided an hour sooner," added the representative of employer organizations.
The president of KT "Support" announced that in this regard they have no disagreements with the employers.
"We have an extremely serious problem with professional education, which we have ruined. We have created schools that firstly do not provide the best preparation for life and secondly do not meet the real needs of the economy," said the trade unionist.
3. Business
24chasa.bg – Bulgarian woman appointed as senator of the country in the World Investment Forum of Business Angels
Published: 11.05.2024/09/40 XNUMX:XNUMX
Bulgaria is now more connected to the global investment markets. The Bulgarian Elitsa Krumova has been appointed as a senator from our country in the World Investment Forum business Angels (WBAF), part of the G20, as of April 20, 2024, it represents Bulgaria at the Forum's Grand Assembly. The inclusion of our country in the WBAF provides a wide range of opportunities for start-up, growing and rapidly developing companies in Bulgaria and opens doors for economic development, Krumova told BTA.
Elitsa Krumova is an established thought leader and B2B technology influencer, with a significant contribution in the field of technology and marketing. She is the first and only Bulgarian woman to appear in international rankings for Thought Leaders, B2B influencers and influencers in the technological sphere. Winner of 2 Best B2024B Influencer Marketing Services, Best Thought Leadership Entrepreneur, etc.
In June in Dubai, at the Global Women Leadership Awards 2024 ceremony, she will be awarded the Best Tech Influencer 2024 award.
Women in business
The World Investment Forum of business angels (WBAF), part of the G20, has a mission to promote gender equality, the inclusion of women in all areas and sectors of the world economy, as well as financial equality for them, Krumova said in response to a question about her new international recognition.
According to her, the main mission of the organization is the creation of greater social justice throughout the world, more equal jobs, including for women. One of the main focuses of Elitsa Krumova's work is precisely the topic of gender equality.
As a member of the Global Committee of Women Leaders at the World business forum of investment angels, I will devote efforts to spread the ideas of the Committee, said Krumova. She added that the WBAF Global Committee of Women Leaders is committed to facilitating exclusive access to the world's most influential women leaders, politicians, entrepreneurs and artists to work in close collaboration, pooling their collective knowledge to address with important problems, as well as to generate innovative solutions to strengthen and stimulate the world economy.
In many, even highly economically developed countries, there is still a serious lack of equal status for women in many social aspects, Elitsa Krumova pointed out.
Although Bulgaria has for years performed relatively well in this area, especially in the field of information and communication technologies, much still needs to be achieved. Bulgaria's membership in WBAF and in particular in the Global Committee of Women Leaders will contribute to the improvement of the local ecosystem. As a WBAF Senator, Elitsa Krumova will assist in facilitating access to finance, know-how, promoting finance, inclusion and creating more jobs and social justice.
What it's like to be a thought leader and technology influencer
The role of thought leaders and technology influencers in the emerging and future technology industry is extremely niche, given that globally only a limited number of industry experts and practitioners with extremely diverse backgrounds and educations can be recognized as such. Thought leaders and technology influencers have a significant role that spans several aspects – on the one hand, they provide guidance, advice, criticism, suggestions and forecasts for global technology development, and on the other hand, they work with businesses, industry practitioners, governments and organizations in support of certain technological developments, brands and products, while providing an expert opinion on the potential and essence of various technologies, said Elitsa Krumova.
As a global thought leader and especially as a senator of the World Investment Forum of business angels, I will have the opportunity to assist Bulgarian start-up and growing companies that have the potential to be supported through various channels and tools from the rich arsenal of the global organization, noted Krumova.
For the World Investment Forum on business the angels (WBAF)
As an associate partner of the G20 Global Partnerships for Financial Inclusion (GPFI), the World Investment Forum of business angels (WBAF) is committed to collaborating globally to accelerate the world's economic development by promoting innovative financial instruments for start-ups and scale-ups, innovators, entrepreneurs, small and medium-sized enterprises, and to promote gender equality and participation of women in all sectors of the world economy, Krumova said.
WBAF fulfills its mission through various countries and channels. They include: 138 high commissioners, senators and international partners from 79 countries; seven government offices on five continents; WBAF Business School and its more than 50 faculty members from 32 countries; five international working committees. WBAF also has an angel investment fund, partnerships with 12 global institutions and economic cooperation agreements with 5 governments, Elitsa Krumova explained. The forum hosts at least five summits and numerous other events, including the Global Fundraising Stage and the Excellence Awards Ceremony, she added.
The Global Partnership for Financial Inclusion (GPFI) is an inclusive platform for all G20 countries, interested non-G20 countries and other stakeholders to continue work on financial inclusion, including implementing the G20 Financial Inclusion Action Plan endorsed at the summit at the G20 in Seoul. Queen Maxima of the Netherlands is an honorary patron of the GPFI, Elitsa Krumova also said.
With her appointment as a senator, Bulgaria joined the largest forum of the world's capital investment markets and will now be able to connect more with the global market of investors, which will open many opportunities for the country. Now local Bulgarian "angel investors", incubation centers, accelerators, private capital funds, joint investment funds, technology parks, corporate enterprises and ambitious entrepreneurs will have more opportunities to connect with global leaders in the same field, Krumova said.
Bulgaria's inclusion in the WBAF provides a wide range of opportunities for Bulgarian start-ups, growing and high-growth businesses and opens doors for economic development, she added.
https://www.24chasa.bg/biznes/article/17890678
3e-news.net - Weak improvement in economic activity in the first quarter of 2024, reports the Ministry of Finance
Published: 10.05.2024/19/05 XNUMX:XNUMX
The economic activity indicator (EIA) in Bulgaria improved slightly in the first quarter of 2024 thanks to both its cyclical component and the long-term component, shows the latest EIA aims to present in a summarized form the current state of the Bulgarian economy, as and to assess the dynamics of its long-term and cyclical component. It is constructed through a dynamic factor model and is composed of fifteen macroeconomic variables measuring changes in the internal and external economic environment indicators. The publication presents IIA in Bulgaria by quarter, assesses the degree of synchronization of Bulgarian business cycle with that of the euro zone and determines the factors influencing the dynamics of the indicator, the financial department explains. The preliminary estimate of the composite indicator for the first quarter of the year showed a slightly higher but still negative value of -0,42 compared to -0,46 points in the last three months of 2023.
Most indicators included in the EIA recorded an improvement compared to the fourth quarter of last year, with the exception of employment, credit to non-financial enterprises and households, the three-month Euribor and construction output.
The current rating reflects the improved position of both the external and internal environments. The greatest contribution in the first quarter was made by indicators for industrial production both in the European Union and in Bulgaria. Substantial improvement was also reported in other internal indicators such as retail trade turnover, industrial orders, industrial price expectations and business climate, shows the latest annals of the economic activity of the Ministry of Finance.
The preliminary assessment of the IIA gives an indication that the economic activity in our country in the first quarter of 2024 is improving, but it is affected by the new geopolitical conflicts and the still high level of uncertainty. Real GDP growth will remain close to that reported in the previous quarter.
The estimated cyclical position of the composite indicator of economic activity in the euro area (€-coin) was also in negative territory during the first three months of the year. In January 2024, the €-coin indicator declined significantly mainly due to weaker demand and deteriorating consumer confidence. It remained in negative territory for the twelfth month in a row in February, but still positive employment signals managed to offset the continued weakening of confidence indicators. In March, the composite indicator of the euro area entered positive territory for the first time since the beginning of 2023. The increase in the indicator mainly reflected the positive growth of share prices and the recovery of qualitative indicators of economic activity.
Capital Digitalk magazine, pp. 64,65 - AI is the key to more effective automation in business processes
Published: 12.05.2024/00/32 XNUMX:XNUMX
Atanas Dimitrov, director of IBA Bulgaria
IN TODAY'S DIGITAL WORLD, the search for innovation and technological improvements is key to the success of any company. In business, artificial intelligence (AI) plays a crucial role, changing not only the way companies operate, but also adapting them to trends.
Innovations like ChatGPT are just the tip of the iceberg of what AI can bring to the market. This is what the experts from IBA Group, a respected and experienced provider of IT services, which has become an important partner of global giants such as IBM, Goodyear, Rockwell Automation, Fujitsu Technology Solutions and Coca Cola, claim. With more than 30 years of experience in building mainframe systems, data management and analytics, SAP and cloud solutions, the company is among the leaders in implementing AI, 3a to support the success of its customers. Atanas Dimitrov, director of "IBA Bulgaria", further reveals how AI is transforming the overall management of business today and provides real benefits to companies.
IBA Group is a leader in the development of 3a automation technologies business processes. What are the benefits of implementing AI in your products?
The integration of AI in business processes is a key step 3a improving the precision and productivity of companies, allowing them to focus on strategic initiatives and achieve their goals more effectively. At IBA Group, we create proprietary solutions that meet the needs of businesses in various sectors. With our extensive experience in RPA (Robotic Process Automation) and AI projects, we developed EasyRPA – an innovative end-to-end 3a automation solution.
The platform aims to improve the efficiency, accuracy and profitability of companies by optimizing processes and reducing operating costs. With built-in AI capabilities 3a classification and information extraction, without additional license fees, it is an affordable solution 3a companies of any size. Our team of over 120 RPA specialists have achieved smooth integration of EasyRPA at all stages of robot development, implementation and management, resulting in an 83% reduction in manual effort for our customers. Now, for example, commercial companies can use EasyRPA 3a inventory automation, and their financial departments can optimize their cost and revenue management more easily than ever.
The sector 3a trade in fast moving goods (FMCG) is one of the most dynamically developing in Europe. How do you help FMCG companies adapt to this rapidly changing industry?
Our solutions are based on customization and flexibility, as well as speed and accuracy as key factors in the FMCG business. One such solution is Goods Checker – a software platform designed specifically for 3a manufacturers and distributors of such goods. It automates merchandising and uses AI 3a analysis of products on the shelves 8 stores, 3a to optimize production processes and improve customer service. Using an AI module 3a image recognition and analysis, Goods Checker provides real-time information 3a shelf status and compliance with the planogram. With its advanced 3a machine learning and computer vision features, the platform stands out with exceptional precision in analyzing goods with an accuracy of 98%. Other benefits are an increase of up to 7% in sales 3a manufacturers, processing of 100% of merchant visits to stores and a reduction of 3a audit and data processing time by up to 45%.
What are your predictions for the future of AI in business and how do you plan to use it in your next innovative solutions?
Looking to the future, we expect AI to continue to transform industries by promoting automation and intelligent decision-making. Ethical principles and regulatory frameworks will also play a key role in ensuring the responsible use of these technologies. To ensure that AI is deployed successfully and with confidence, we plan to continue our investment in strategic partnerships, training and research, following market trends.
As a leading company in the field of business innovation, we are committed to creating a culture where AI is integrated not just as a tool, but as a core part of strategies 3a improving our customers' production processes and competitiveness.
http://clippingpoint.net/article/4e73b779c4f9dadebafab858b0fd12a115e84552
http://www.turbulence.tech