Labor relations

As of January 1, 2026, salaries for new entrants in the public sector will increase by the same amount as the minimum wage in the private sector. For the next three years, the process for determining the minimum wage in the private sector will follow the same timetable currently in place.

During his speech in Parliament regarding the bill regulating the minimum wage, Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis also addressed the banking system, indicating that government intervention is imminent.

In the coming days, the plenary session of the Greek Parliament will be occupied with a bill concerning wage employment: collective bargaining agreements and minimum wage.

The Minister of Labour, Niki Kerameos, called on the opposition to clarify whether she wants to create a safety net for workers with a minimum wage of 1000 euros or to abolish this safeguard and leave open the possibility of reducing it after an agreement between the social partners, the draft law on “transposing the European directive on adequate minimum wages in the EU and th

Labor shortages have become a key issue discussed at the recent EU Council of Employment and Social Policy Ministers (EPSCO) meeting. While employers often point to a lack of skills as the primary reason for the shortage, a study by the European Trade Union Institute (ETUI) highlights a different perspective, revealing that low wages play a significant role.

“What the government ought to have done and did not do, we took the initiative to organize today both symbolically and practically. We are showing another way where social dialogue can bring solutions to serve the common good. Dignity, perspective, and hope for society”.

Minimum wage raises of approximately 2.5% to 3% stem from the new formula of the Labor Ministry bill that will be implemented after 2028, according to estimates by economic analysts.

The estimates are based on the historical data of the Greek economy on productivity. If this were to accelerate significantly, it could ensure a better result.

Journalist unions in Greece launched a 24-hour strike Tuesday, joining broader labor unrest ahead of a nationwide general strike planned for Wednesday.

What is the biggest problem with wage labor in Greece? That its coverage rate by collective labor agreements is one of the lowest in the 27 countries of the European Union, at around 20%. This statistic is one you'd expect to find in a third world country rather than a European one.

From January 1, 2026, entry-level public sector salaries in Greece will increase in line with the minimum wage set for the private sector, according to a new labor law draft. However, for 2025, a unique approach will apply, as outlined in the draft legislation of the Ministry of Labor, which is open for public consultation until November 21.