Backwards step on collective bargaining

The Greek government has already started to make changes to its collective bargaining system as part of the package of measures required to allow the new financial bailout to go ahead.

A progress report on 58 so-called prior actions required from the Greek government lists one covering collective bargaining.

This is the repeal of a law passed as recently as July this year, which restored the on-going validity of collective agreements even after their terms had formally expired. The restoration was seen as an important part of rebuilding Greek industrial relations and removing it is a significant step backwards.

However, with other measures promised, it is unlikely to be the last.