Greek Minister Niki Kerameos Presents Equal Pay Bill

Greek Labour Minister Niki Kerameos outlined a draft law to enforce equal pay for equal work, incorporating the EU Directive 2023/970. The proposal introduces four main pillars: (1) embedding the equal‑pay principle already present in national legislation; (2) requiring wage‑transparency before hiring, with job ads to be gender‑neutral and candidates informed of salary ranges; (3) obligating employers to apply transparent, objective pay structures during employment and to disclose gender‑pay gap data, especially for larger firms; and (4) establishing inspection, corrective measures and avenues for workers to appeal through labour inspectors, courts or the ombudsman.

The bill also highlights the expected benefits for employees, businesses and the state, such as stronger protection for workers, clearer rules for employers, improved monitoring of wage disparities and greater confidence in the labour market. Opposition MP George Gavrilos criticised the legislation, arguing that it comes amid broader government policies that, in his view, have eroded workers’ rights, reduced employment opportunities and failed to address structural issues such as high unemployment and gender‑pay differentials. He warned that without accompanying labour‑support policies, the law alone would not close the existing wage gap.

The proposal is slated for discussion in the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Social Affairs, marking a key step in Greece’s effort to modernise its labour legislation and align with EU standards on gender equality.