Achtsioglou adopts new line on labor reforms in negotiations

The new Minister of of Labor, Social Insurance and Social Solidarity Efi Achtsioglou is scheduled to enter talks with the institutions on labor reforms on the 14th of November.

According to a report in Ta Nea, the Greek side will accept, under certain conditions, the expert group proposal for reduced working hours for employees who are faced with collective dismissals.

The Ministry is examining the possibility of partly subsidizing reduced working hours, provided that the relevant union is in agreement. The expert group has proposed reduced working hours in lieu of collective dismissals.

In essence this means that businesses will be in the position to reduce the working hours of its employees, who in turn will be able to collect compensation and unemployment benefits from the State for the lost hours.

The other main ‘thorns’ in the upcoming negotiations include the creditor demand for increasing the limit on collective dismissals from 5% to 10%, revising the minimum wage in the private sector and collective negotiations.