A new labor bill, which will significantly simplify the processes in the labor market, is being prepared by the Ministry of Labor and Social Security, as revealed by Minister of Labor and Social Security, Ceramic Victoryin the context of the 10th financial forum of Delphi, held in Delphi 9-22 April.
“It will cover many of the processes related to the operation of the labor market, for example how you do an intake. What we want at the Ministry of Labor is to give the greatest possible flexibility to the procedural, to reduce bureaucracy, to exist obstacles to the proper functioning of the labor market, “the Labor Minister underlined.
Discussing with the Christina Vidou, SKAI journalistMs. Kerameos stressed that unemployment has fallen to 8.6%, a percentage of the last 17 years and analyzed the ministry’s strategy for ministry and collective agreements. As he said, since 2019 the minimum wage has increased by 35% and the government’s goal is to reach 950 euros in 2027. “Going further and is a very delicate balance. And I say this because our goal is on the one hand to strengthen and constantly strengthen the disposable income of the citizens. On the other hand, however, we must ensure that the whole financial framework can withstand. And when I say the financial framework to withstand, I am referring to business finances and state budgets, “the minister explained.
He even described the minimum wage as a “protection shield” for all public and private workers, stressing that from there the social partners are free to agree on better earnings. In this context, the Ministry aspires to further strengthen the institutional framework of collective agreements. “We want more collective agreements. We will do whatever it takes in 2025 to enhance the conclusion of collective agreements, but that is not enough. The representatives of employees and employers should also sit at the same table and come to an agreement, “Ms. Kerameos said.
He also noted that the ministry is now focusing with even more targeted policies in specific population groups, namely women, young people, people 55 and older and people with disabilities. Specifically for the 55 years or older, Ms Kerameos referred to the special program of the Public Employment Service, through which 32,500 jobs have already been offered, with the total cost of this program exceeding EUR 800 million. At the same time, over 9,000 people have found work through career days.
The ministry also emphasizes the repatriation of Greeks from abroad. According to Ms Kerameos, the recent event of the Labor Ministry in London participated 26 major businesses in the country looking for specialized staff and over 1,300 interested parties, offering hundreds of high -profile jobs. “We consider it our duty to be the bridge among those who are thinking of returning and businesses looking for specialized staff,” Ms. Kerameos said, adding that similar actions have been taken in the Netherlands and Germany, and will take place in the US next time.
As for the digital work card, Ms. Kerameos explained that it is a tool that records real working time, protecting the employee and enhancing competition. According to the minister, in the nearly 3 years the card has been applied to sectors such as banks, supermarkets, industry, retailing, 815,000 more overtime were recorded. He added that the card alone is not sufficient, but is combined with intensive controls by the Labor Inspectorate, as the increase in controls and the imposition of fines contribute to the faithful application of labor law.