We cannot overcome the new challenges in the labor market without the participation of social partners and civil society organizations. This was stated by Zornitsa Rusinova, Chair of the Economic and Social Council (ESC), during the conference “From Social Dialogue to Action: The Path to a Just Digital Transition.” The forum was organized by the Confederation of Independent Trade Unions in Bulgaria (KNSB).
Members and representatives of all ESC groups also participated in the opening ceremony—Plamen Dimitrov, president of the KNSB and vice chair of the “Trade Unions” group; Vice Chair Maria Mincheva (group “Employers, BIA”), Stoyan Stavrev (KRIB), and Lyuboslav Kostov (the “Trade Unions” group, KNSB).
According to the ESC chair, one of the challenges facing the labor market is the low proportion of workers with digital skills, which is significantly lower than the EU average. Another challenge is the generational divide in the workplace, where different generations possess different skills and experience.
One of the ESC’s priorities is specifically related to analyses, opinions, and resolutions on the digital transition in a national context, noted Zornitsa Rusinova. Last week, we also adopted an analysis of the directive on working conditions for platform workers, added the chair of the advisory body.
The conference also focused on the role of artificial intelligence in the workplace. Protecting workers’ rights and preserving quality jobs were among the other topics discussed during the session.
In recent years, the ESC has issued recommendations in a number of other documents concerning the expected effects of artificial intelligence on the country’s labor market, the needs of businesses and workers to adapt more quickly to changes related to the transition to a green and circular economy, digitalization, policies, measures, and challenges facing a digital Bulgaria, and other issues.
PHOTOS: KNSB Press Center
