Galery

2

1

The expert commission to the Ministry of Labor offered changes in the flexible forms of work-load, aiming at bringing the corresponding bill in the parliament for voting in the beginning of January. The commission is offering nine measures for improving labor market system.

One of the most important proposals refers to workers who present their employers with notes for services performed and work for only one employer for more than three months. The bill suggests that they will have the right to demand a termless contract. The key decision will affect about 150 000 employees in the private sector. a major part of them are paying health insurance by their own and despite working for a salary, do not receive any allowances and do not have the right for compensation in case of being fired.

In addition, the flexible eight-hour working time can only be brought into force by employers after negotiation with the syndicates. The syndicates will also be consulted when appointing two people at the same work-place- a practice which will not be allowed for more than three months.

Changes will also be introduced in the way employees use their holidays.

“Rented” employees will be able to make contracts for eight months with a right of renewal for another eight months, after which will have to free the position for 45 days before entering into a contract with the same employer again. The purpose of this measure is to avoid the automatic enforcement of the rule that an employee may ask for termless contract.

The commission is further proposing that the number of those that work at a four-hour day, whose actual working time is longer, be reduced. The number of legal reasons for an employee to refuse additional working hours, for instance- studying at a university, will be increased. The syndicates are offering an increase of at least 7% for extra working hours.

Andreas Loverdos, the minister of employment, announced that the labor relations between “personnel recruitment” bureaus and workers will be regulated in order to protect citizens and so that the “Kouneva phenomenon” does not repeat itself. Regulations in employers- employees’ relations will be followed by the establishment of a Labor Revision Service which will conduct frequent inspections and watch for following the laws.

Besides reformations in the flexible working plans, Minister Loverdos announced measures for supporting the unemployed, translated into 20% to 50% reduction in price for public transportation, as well as reductions in the price for basic goods such as milk, meat and bread, provided the corresponding companies agree to that. The Ministry will fund three measures with €1.5b- part of the national strategic framework for development.

Minister Loverdos’s statement concerning the abovementioned measures received criticism on part of the opposing coalition SYRIZA’s representative, who said that the unemployed need work not charity.