85% of workers in TPP and mines want to stay in the energy sector, a survey shows

If they had the opportunity, 85 per cent of workers in thermal power plants and coal mines in the Stara Zagora, Pernik and Kyustendil regions would remain in the energy sector. These results are from a survey conducted by the Confederation of Independent Trade Unions in Bulgaria (CITUB) and the Podkrepa Labour Confederation.

The survey examined how employees at thermal power plants and coal mines in these regions would like to develop their careers in the event of job losses due to the green transition. Sixty per cent of respondents said they would accept alternative roles within the same company if they received the necessary training.

Workers in Stara Zagora showed the highest willingness to relocate, with 46.9% saying they would be willing to commute for work, compared to 11.4% in Pernik.  Around 18–22% of workers in Kyustendil and Stara Zagora are interested in improving their technical skills, compared to 15% in Pernik. The study's findings indicate the necessity for distinct employment strategies in the green transition across the three regions.

The age profile of those employed in the sector was identified as a particular concern: Over 53% are over 50 years old and around 13% are of retirement age.