Crucial discussions are underway this week as Labour Minister Marinos Moushiouttas begins consultations with social partners to determine the level of the minimum wage.
The minister is scheduled to meet today, Monday with representatives of the PEO and SEK unions, while talks with DEOK are expected to take place on Wednesday.
Unions are demanding a significant increase in the minimum wage. According to figures submitted to the nine-member technical committee, the increase could range from €124 to €185. They also insist that purchasing power and rising living costs be taken into account, and that the decree should include provisions for the hourly rate of the minimum wage.
On the issue of hourly pay, Moushiouttas told CNA: “I will see exactly what the positions of each organisation are and we will act accordingly.”
Meetings with OEB and KEVE
The minister will also meet with employer organisations OEB and KEVE, which oppose a substantial increase in the minimum wage. The meeting with OEB is scheduled for Wednesday, followed by KEVE on Thursday.
Moushiouttas stressed that beyond formal meetings, “there is always an open line of communication with all partners.”
The next session of the nine-member technical committee has not yet been set but is expected soon, after which the committee will submit its recommendations to the minister.
“Meetings are taking place and will continue with the relevant bodies in the coming days, with the aim of issuing the decree on the minimum wage before the end of the year. The effort is to achieve the greatest possible convergence,” Moushiouttas underlined.
Asked to comment on the figure of €1,125 mentioned by the outgoing minister during the handover ceremony, based on a percentage of the median wage plus CoLA, Moushiouttas said: “Any position, especially from a minister who served for three years, is respected.” However, he added it is too early to commit to a number before reviewing all positions, urging patience until a full picture emerges.
Collective Agreements
Regarding the roadmap for extending collective agreements and ensuring wage adequacy, which the former minister had set for the first quarter of 2026, Moushiouttas noted he has not yet been briefed on the timetable.
“We have the issue of the minimum wage that must be resolved by the end of the year, so priority was given to that. Updates on other matters are ongoing, but I have not yet had the opportunity to be briefed on this issue. It will be addressed in the coming days,” he said.
Among the new minister’s priorities are improving the processing times of Social Insurance benefits, tackling labour shortages, and facilitating the employment of foreign workers.