The Minister of Labor Giorgos Katrougalos argued that one of the government’s main priorities is to restore collective labor agreements, in an interview he gave to the Imerisia newspaper.
In his interview Mr. Katrougalos stated that the aim is for the minimum wage to be defined by the GSEE and employer unions via the General National Collective Labor Agreement. At present the minimum wage is defined by law.
Additionally, the Minister of Labor commented that sectoral agreements, which are threatened with ‘extinction’, must be protected and noted that a major battle will be fought over collective dismissals. Mr. promised “countermeasures” to protect those who are dismissed and repeated the government policy to oppose lock outs.
Asked about the reforms in union law, as outlined in the bailout agreements, Mr. Katrougalos responded that a meaningful dialog must begin, in order to cover everyone, including those with informal working relations.
Finally, the Labor Minister revealed that the government will open talks with the institutions over a new proposal for the settlement of debts towards pension funds.
