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I'm pregnant and the employer is changing my conditions

Pregnant employees have some of the strongest protections in Bulgarian labor law. Here's what the employer can do and what is absolutely off-limits.

In short: Art. 333(5) LC requires court permission to dismiss a pregnant employee. Unilateral changes to the place of work, salary or nature of the work are also prohibited (Art. 327 LC allows you to resign without notice with compensation).

Step 1. Notify the employer in writing

Submit to HR (or the director) a written declaration with a medical certificate from the antenatal clinic stating that you are pregnant. This formally activates the Art. 333 LC protection. Keep a copy with an incoming registration number.

Step 2. What the employer CANNOT do

  • Dismiss you without court permission under Art. 333(5) LC;
  • Assign overtime (Art. 147 LC — forbidden for pregnant women);
  • Move you to a more demanding role or to less favorable conditions without your consent;
  • Unilaterally reduce your salary;
  • Change the nature or location of the work without your consent.

Step 3. What the employer CAN do

  • Move you to lighter work under Art. 309 LC (on medical grounds) — at the same salary;
  • Propose a change — which you can accept or reject;
  • Continue to expect normal performance of your role, unless a medical opinion recommends otherwise.

Step 4. Under pressure to "voluntarily" resign

Employers often resort to pressure — reduced tasks, isolation, a "proposal" to terminate by mutual consent. Do not sign anything under duress. If you decide to leave because of unbearable conditions, resign under Art. 327 LC (without notice, with compensation under Art. 221 LC).

Termination by mutual consent (Art. 325(1) LC) does not give a right to compensation — unless you have expressly negotiated one.

Step 5. Report to ИА ГИТ and КЗД

If the employer proceeds with changes or pressure:

  • Report to ИА ГИТ — for breaches of the Labor Code;
  • Report to the Protection from Discrimination Commission (КЗД) — for direct discrimination on gender or family-status grounds.

Both institutions operate in parallel and free of charge.

Right to pregnancy and childbirth leave

410 calendar days in total, 45 of which before birth. NSSI benefit is 90% of the average daily insurance income for the last 24 months. Full details in the maternity guide.

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