BCCI conducted training on safe and healthy working conditions with the experts at RCCI’s

In implementation of the BCCI Program for increasing the knowledge and qualifications of its employees, the Chamber conducted training on "Safe and healthy working conditions" with its experts in the Regional Chambers of Commerce and Industry (RCCI’s).

The topic "New amendments to the Labor Code for remote work" presented ch. Assistant Professor Vlayko Vodenicharov, MD, Department of Epidemiology and Hygiene, Medical University - Sofia. He introduced the participants to the Regulatory Frameworks in the EU. The EU Framework Agreement on Telework (2002) was presented, which is the starting point for national legislation and collective bargaining in the EU. The regulation of remote work in the EU member states was also examined, which is carried out in two main ways, namely legislative measures and social dialogue with collective bargaining.

It was noted that in Bulgarian legislation remote work and home work are regulated in the Labor Code. Special attention was paid to the labor agreement (collective and individual), labor remuneration, collective rights, the provision of a certain space for a workplace at home by the employee, the employer's obligations to provide technical equipment and its maintenance, etc. The lecturer presented amendments to the Labor Code regarding the determination of a specific location at the workplace, provision of information by the employer to the employee about the minimum requirements for OSH in the premises where remote work is practiced, a written description from the employee to the employer about the characteristics of the working environment, the worker's or employee's right to uninterrupted rest, the reduction of the employer's liability in the case of occupational accidents to which the employee contributed and the accounting of working hours.

Training of the experts was also held on the topic: "Working Conditions Fund - activities, purpose, project financing opportunities, application conditions". The attendees were introduced to the work of the Fund and its tasks to finance activities and events to improve working conditions, in accordance with the current legislation of the Republic of Bulgaria under a program adopted by the National Council on Working Conditions and approved by the Minister of Labor and Social Policy . Through the Fund, projects of national, sectoral, branch and regional significance are financed.

The experts of BCCI in RCCI’s around country presented brief information about the state of the economy in the different regions of the country, the most common problems for entrepreneurs in carrying out their activities.

Refresher training was conducted on the terms and conditions for issuing foreign trade documents, including issues related to the Rules for Issuing Certificates of Origin of Goods, the requirements of the Customs Code and its regulations. A related topic for the participants was the use of the opportunity implemented in the information system of the Unified Volunteer Trade Register of the BCCI for issuing electronic certificates for non-preferential origin of goods.