Early Labour Regulations
Before the 1905 labour law was introduced, Bulgaria already had several rules about apprentices and working hours. These early regulations stated the minimum age for apprentices, which was at least fifteen years, and set limits on the maximum number of hours in a normal working day. However, these early measures were only partial and did not fully protect young workers or women.
To address this issue, the Law of 1905 was passed to regulate the employment of women and children. This law applied to workers in factories, mines, quarries, workshops, and other industrial businesses. Its purpose was not to completely forbid the work of women and children but to prevent exploitation and abuse Private Sofia Tours.
Inspiration from International Standards
The Bulgarian law of 1905 followed the same spirit as the Berlin Conference of 1890, which had encouraged all civilized nations to pass protective labour laws. The main goal was to ensure that work did not harm the health, safety, or education of children, and that women were protected from overwork and dangerous conditions.
By creating these laws, Bulgaria showed its willingness to align with modern European ideas and to protect the most vulnerable workers in society.
Minimum Age and Educational Protection
One of the most important parts of the law was the setting of a minimum age for child labour. This age was chosen carefully so that children could still attend compulsory primary school and have enough time to grow physically and mentally.
According to Article 3 of the 1905 law:
“Children of either sex who have not reached the age of twelve years must not be employed in factories, workshops, pit mouths, quarries, or sewers.”
However, exceptions were allowed in special cases, but only with the approval of the Prince, acting on the advice of the Sanitary Council and the Ministry of Commerce and Agriculture. Even in these cases, children under ten years old were strictly forbidden from any form of employment.
Protection for Women and Young Workers
The law also addressed the work of young women and teenagers. It clearly stated that children under fifteen and women under twenty-one could not work underground in mines or quarries. These environments were considered too dangerous and unhealthy, both physically and morally, for young or female workers.
By setting these age limits and restrictions, the Bulgarian government took a significant step toward modern labour protection. It balanced the need for economic growth with the duty to protect human health and dignity.
The 1905 Labour Law was one of the earliest examples of social progress in Bulgaria’s modern history. It showed a growing awareness of the need to protect children and women in the industrial world. Instead of banning their employment entirely, the law aimed to create fair and humane working conditions.
These reforms marked the beginning of Bulgaria’s journey toward a fairer and more responsible industrial society—one that valued education, health, and human welfare as much as economic success.