Greek agreement confirms status quo

GSEE, the Greek private sector trade union confederation, and four employers associations have again signed a general agreement covering all workers in the private sector.

However, in contrast to past agreements, which set the country’s minimum wage for two years, the deal signed on 26 March for the period 1 January to 31 December 2014 will have much less impact. The minimum wage is now set by the government, which in 2012 cut the minimum wage set in the previous general agreement by 22% for most workers, and 32% for those under 25.

The 2014 general agreement confirms that existing arrangements covering issues such as overtime and leave will continue to apply and calls for a an end to government interference in collective bargaining.

The one new development is that fathers now have the same right to reduce their hours to look after children as mothers.