Greece: 500,000 workers to see 10% minimum wage increase

Approximately 500,000 private sector employees in Greece are expected to receive a 10% increase in minimum wages due to three-year seniority bonuses. This adjustment follows the completion of the first three-year period since the unfreezing of salary progressions in 2024.

For a single worker without family obligations hired on January 1, 2024, the minimum wage is projected to increase by 92 euros, reaching 1,012 euros by early 2027. The bonus applies to those whose gross basic earnings do not exceed the minimum wage by more than three increments: specifically, those earning below 1,196 euros if single, or below 1,288 euros if married. Employees covered by active sectoral or enterprise collective agreements that include seniority-based increases may also qualify.

Despite these projected increases, studies indicate that real wages remain under pressure. The average real annual wage grew by only 0.3% between 2019 and 2025, remaining below 2021 levels. In sectors such as education, public health, social care, hospitality, and trade, real hourly wages continue to lag behind 2009 levels. Additionally, while real GDP is expected to rise in 2025, per capita income remains significantly below the European Union average.