Greece Extends Hazardous‑Work Status to Nurses, Italy Urges Similar Law

Greece's parliament approved a law extending the "usuranti" (hazardous and unhealthy work) regime to nurses, nursing assistants, ambulance drivers and other emergency‑service staff. The reform, described by Greek nursing organisations as a historic achievement, aligns these workers with existing pension and insurance provisions for hazardous occupations, allowing retirement at 62 after at least 15 years of contributions.

In Italy, the UGL Salute union, led by secretary Gianluca Giuliano, called on the government to adopt an equivalent measure for all health‑care professions. Giuliano praised Greece's decision as "an act of civility and foresight" and warned that Italy faces staff shortages, high stress and physical wear among health workers. The union argues that recognizing health jobs as hazardous is essential to retain personnel and improve the national health‑service system.