Bulgarians Rally for Higher Wages

Thousands of Bulgarian workers rallied in Sofia, demanding a fairer share of benefits as the economy of the European Union’s poorest country motors on and slowly closes the wealth gap to its richer western peers, Reuters reported. Over 4,000 workers including doctors, miners and civil servants gathered in front of the government building in the capital’s center holding placards and chanting “We want our money”. The center-right government plans to raise state salaries by an average of about 9.6% in 2018, well ahead of an inflation rate expected to edge up to 1.4% next year. But the pot will be heavily weighted towards certain professions, with teachers set to receive 15%, and has no bearing on private-sector wage settlements. The average monthly wage in the Balkan country rose by 9.9% in the second quarter to 1,040 levs ($618), but remains one of the lowest in the 28-member EU.