Greece: new minimum wage cut and working time adjustments in the offing

The reforms implemented in February 2012 made the relations between employees and employers more flexible, but the country is still suffering from low competitiveness and record unemployment – over 25 percent of the active population and 54.2 percent for the 15-24 age group.  The Greek government has therefore committed to maintaining its effort to boost job creation, attacking minimum wage once again.  Deemed too complicated, the current base should be replaced with a single minimum wage, the amount of which will be determined by the government together with the social partners and other stakeholders before being voted.  This system should come into force as early as April 2013 and affect all new labor contracts.  There could also be the gradual removal, by April 2015, of the seniority bonuses and family advantages provided for in the general national labor collective agreement.
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is system should come into force as early as April 2013 and affect all new labor contracts. There could also be the gradual removal, by April 2015, of the seniority bonuses and family advantages provided for in the general national labor collective agreement.

Besides, labor costs, in addition to wage costs, seem to be another action lever for the government and its creditors – for instance the adoption of adjustments and fiscal cuts to social contributions as early as January 1, 2014. layoff c

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