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Description
The "Decent Work''s Latest Challenge: Risk and Stress Management" project aimed to reduce work-related stress among employees in Bulgaria’s Ministry of Interior, focusing particularly on police officers, through improved working conditions and mental well-being support. It was implemented by the trade union of the Ministry of Interior (TUFEMI) in collaboration with Norwegian trade unions Fagforbundet and KS.
During the project, two surveys were conducted to analyze stress factors from 2014 to 2019, including a representative qualitative survey with 1633 workers within the Ministry of Interior. In addition, working conditions were assessed across police, fire, and cross-border checkpoint stations. The findings revealed primary stress factors such as inadequate pay, insufficient equipment, shift work, public criticism, and high workloads, which significantly impact both police officers and firefighters. Both professions face constant risk exposure, increased stress from 24-hour shifts, difficult decision-making, and the need for quick actions to save lives, which leads to sleep disturbances and other health issues.
To address these findings, specific training needs were identified, leading to the development of a training program for TUFEMI members. A total of 155 members were trained through ten sessions to negotiate for improved working conditions and protect workers'' rights at local and regional levels. The TUFEMI Board also enhanced its expertise and exchanged experiences with Norwegian partners, with five members participating in a study visit to Oslo, further strengthening bilateral relations.
A comprehensive communication strategy was also executed, producing six videos and securing appearances on national television, reaching over two million Bulgarian citizens. The project’s primary outcome was successfully achieved by advancing the implementation of the decent work agenda and promoting fair and improved working conditions.
Summary of project results
The project aimed to address the challenges of occupational stress and risk management within the Ministry of Interior in Bulgaria. Key issues included identifying changes and trends in factors causing occupational stress, measuring working environmental conditions, and assessing risks at selected sites. The project also sought to analyze the implementation of the decent work agenda and transfer good Norwegian practices for stress and risk management. Additionally, there was a need to raise awareness of the socio-economic benefits of effective risk and stress management and to establish a sustainable mechanism for enhancing decent work benefits.
The project implemented several activities to achieve its objectives. It began with communication and dissemination efforts, including publicity measures, dissemination of results, and an awareness-raising campaign. A comparative survey on factors causing occupational stress was conducted, and working conditions and risks were measured at selected police stations, fire stations, and cross-border checkpoints. The project organized a 2-day workshop for TUFEMI’s managing board with Norwegian partners and a 2-day study visit to Norway. Ten training sessions were conducted for 155 TUFEMI members on risk and stress management and negotiating with government officials. Additionally, a road map for improving working conditions and creating a system for risk and stress management was developed.
The project successfully enhanced the knowledge and competences of TUFEMI members in risk and stress management. It conducted a comparative survey involving 26 focus groups with 225 participants and assessed risks at nine selected sites. The training sessions improved the skills of 155 TUFEMI members. The project identified and proposed the adaptation of three good Norwegian practices for risk and stress management. An awareness campaign reached approximately 2 million people, raising awareness about managing occupational stress and risk. A road map for improving working conditions and stress management was developed and discussed with stakeholders. The final conference, attended by 32 participants, facilitated valuable experience exchange with Norway. The primary beneficiaries were social partners, including police officers, firefighters, and rescuers within the Ministry of Interior, who gained improved skills and knowledge to manage occupational stress and risks effectively.
Summary of bilateral results
The contribution from the Norwegian partner strengthened the bilateral relations through the transfer of Norwegian good practices for conducting social dialogue on decent work issues. The study visit in Norway helped TUFEMIs representatives to learn about good systems for risk and stress management for police officers, firefighters and rescuers. All information and knowledge gained from the bilateral cooperation served as a valuable basis for initiating changes and new tools for improving working conditions. The implementation of the current project in partnership with Fagforundet and KS not only improved bilateral relations and created a partnership that continued in the next project, but also gave a different perspective for structuring and conducting social dialogue and defending decent working conditions in Bulgaria.