Greek Labour Minister Niki Kerameos Announces Wage Hikes and Digital Work Card Expansion

Greek Labour Minister Niki Kerameos detailed a series of labour market reforms aimed at raising wages and improving working conditions. The government backed a historic national social agreement that resulted in new collective bargaining contracts covering roughly 2.5 million workers, including sectors such as hospitality (about 400 000 employees) and food technology (2 500 employees). These contracts are expected to raise wages and enhance benefits.

The minimum wage was increased to €920 and the average wage rose above €1 500, while unemployment fell by ten percentage points, reaching the lowest level in 17 years. A digital work card, now compulsory for the covered workers, is intended to record overtime, prevent wage cuts and boost insurance contributions. Programs targeting workers aged 55+ and people with disabilities were also expanded, enrolling over 35 000 seniors and 3 000 disabled individuals.

Kerameos also highlighted ongoing efforts to narrow the gender pay gap, which remains at 13%, and noted a draft law on equal pay under public consultation.