Athens, 22 March 2021

European Affairs Committee and Social Affairs Committee consider proposal for a Directive on adequate minimum wages in the EU

The proposal for a Directive of the European Parliament and of the Council on adequate minimum wages in the European Union was discussed today in a joint meeting of the Special Permanent Committee on European Affairs and the Permanent Committee on Social Affairs of the Hellenic Parliament. The Minister of Labour and Social Affairs, Kostis Hatzidakis joined the meeting.

The Chairperson of the joint meeting, the 1st Vice-President of the Hellenic Parliament and Chairman of the European Affairs Committee, Nikitas Kaklamanis, in his introductory comments remarked, inter alia, that protecting minimum wage earners is more important in times of crisis, such as the current one, and underlined that ensuring adequate minimum wages is an important precondition to support a sustainable and inclusive economic growth, adding that any action on behalf of the EU in this direction is welcome. He noted that the government has actively supported workers and the unemployed during the pandemic, underlining that the relevant measures by the Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs amount to 6,4 billion euros to date and cover about 3 million beneficiaries. Summing up, Mr. Kaklamanis stressed the importance Greek citizens attach to the minimum income, which they consider the most critical in determining the future of the social character of the EU, calling for relevant measures to be taken at a European and national level, according to a recent Eurobarometer survey. 

Mr. Hatzidakis welcomed the objective of the Directive pointing out the role that the minimum wage can play in protecting the living conditions of vulnerable workers, without overlooking their impact on competitiveness and growth. The Minister informed the two relevant committees that the national system for determining the minimum wage and daily rate, as enshrined in legislation since 2012, largely fulfils the prerequisites set by the proposal for a Directive. He added that the “ERGANI” information system, which is innovative at EU level, constitutes an excellent base for the Ministry to use in order to not only cover the Directive’s requirement to send data to the European Commission, but to also improve the planning capacity for smart policies that will enhance employment. The Minister further pointed out that the country is in consultation with other member states on the issue of seamen’s contracts, in order to take into account the particular nature of the seafaring profession, which arises from the universality of Shipping.

Summing up, Mr. Hatzidakis stressed that the country’s labour market policy is not benefits-based, pointing out that the Ministry’s strategic planning aims to create new and better jobs, through investments, especially in cutting-edge sectors.

 

 

 

Photography: Giorgos Kontarinis

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