The creation of the new Independent Labor Inspection Authority, combined with the implementation of the Digital Labor Card, have created a strong framework for the protection of workers’ rights, with an emphasis on combating undeclared and undeclared work.

This was noted by the Minister of National Economy and Finance, Kostis Hatzidakis, speaking today at a conference, held on the occasion of the completion of one year since the creation of the Authority, during his tenure at the Ministry of Labour.

Mr. Hatzidakis thanked his successor in the ministry, Adoni Georgiadis, for continuing on the same reform path. “Despite the temporary reactions, what remains at the end of each four-year period is the reform project,” he underlined.

“Since the beginning of 2021, we envisioned an Independent Authority on the AADE standards, because we had many complaints from employees about the issues of “black” and implied work. That’s why we proceeded with the law 4808 on the Digital Work Card and the independence from the ministry of the old SEPE” emphasized the Minister of National Economy and Finance.

Referring to the Digital Card, Mr. Hatzidakis expressed his satisfaction with the fact that it is expanding into more sectors. “There are those who are dissatisfied, however, the Digital Work Card is a response to the indicated work and a tool for the Labor Inspectorate to do its work better and more objectively.”

In relation to the Labor Inspectorate, he pointed out that he never had a problem with the old SEPE and the workers in it. “What I wanted was to stop the whispers that existed with all the ministers and governments – that, because SEPE was part of the Ministry of Labour, it could be used as the long arm of the government, to intervene. I wanted there to be more guarantees of impartiality and objectivity,” he said. “I chose Mr. Giorgos Tzilivakis, whom I did not know, for the position of commander, following the recommendations of the competent Committee. The choice was justified. He always tries to strike a balance between employers and employees, based on justice, because exaggeration in one direction or the other damages the common effort to have modern and serious rules in the labor market” added Mr. Hatzidakis.

“We are,” he concluded, addressing the management and workers at the Labor Inspectorate, “in favor of entrepreneurship, because without it, there can be no development and without businesses there can be no workers. At the same time, we believe in healthy entrepreneurship, because there can be no businesses with workers in the “tiles”. If there is a feeling of social injustice from the workers, this cannot lead society and the companies themselves to a positive path. I encourage you to continue your work without extremes and excesses, with impartiality, but also with concern for the protection of workers. What you are doing is part of an overall national effort to raise the labor market, the economy, our country higher.”