Labour law changes go through


The new Greek government of the centre-right New Democracy Party has moved quickly to make changes to employment law and plans further legislation on strike balloting. 


Two changes were introduced last month. One removed the obligation on the employer to provide a justification when an employee is dismissed. 


The other repealed the requirement that an employer is responsible for a subcontractor’s compliance with employment law and social security regulations.


Details of legislation on strike balloting are expected in the autumn. But labour minister Yiannis Vroutsis has already promised an electronic register for all trade union members which will be used in strike ballots and trade union elections.


Employers have welcomed the changes already introduced, arguing that the labour regulations passed by the left-wing SYRIZA government had created additional bureaucratic burdens without improving employee protection. 


However, the unions are strongly opposed. The GSEE private sector union confederation said the requirement to provide a justification for dismissals provided at least some protection against “arbitrary and retaliatory” dismissals.


It also suggested that by abolishing the obligation on employers to provide a reason for dismissal, the government would be in breach of international labour standards.