With a central message ‘from tolerance to change’, it was held at Athens Chamber of Commerce and Industry Awareness Event for the violence and harassment to workin collaboration with EBEA with Independent Labor Inspection Authority.
Among other things, the Annual Report of the Independent Department to monitor violence and harassment at work showing a significant increase in visibility and doubling complaints over the past two years has been presented, which shows that more and more workers are breaking silence. At the same time, the revelation of incidents of horizontal mobbing among colleagues is increasing, as women are still the most vulnerable group.
Already, in the eight months of 2025, more than 1,000 relevant checks were carried out, with the catering, commerce and accommodation sectors gaining the highest rate of violations. There is also a trend in the submission of branded complaints (already 307 versus 318 in 2024), with small and medium -sized catering, accommodation and commerce operations continuing to be the overwhelming majority of the complainants.
“At the beginning of my own work career it was almost common for a young employee to be abused, what could be described as bullying today. Offensive behaviors in the workplace went unnoticed by most. Today, the situation has changed. Fortunately, in this part we live in a different world. The incorporation into the legislation of relevant provisions to combat violence and harassment at work was a big step. Because the employee now knows that, if he is under such behavior, he has somewhere to address. And I personally thank me that colleagues in the Labor Inspectorate have embraced this effort, leaving our imprint on the labor market and in Greek society, “said Labor Inspector Governor George Tzilivakis.
“In 2021, our country took a decisive step. It was one of the first to ratify the 190 contract of the International Labor Organization and with the innovative provisions of Law 4808 we created a modern and integrated framework for the prevention and treatment of such behaviors. For the first time, a explicit ban on mobbing was introduced and the violence and harassment of psychosocial risks, which the employer should take into account during the organization of work, was incorporated. Five years later, we can say with certainty that this is an essential and deep human reform. We gave voice to people who have been silent for years. We have managed to increase the visibility of the phenomenon, as the Labor Inspectorate shows, as well as the high resonance of the awareness program for the fight against discrimination in the workplace, which we implemented with the valuable support of the EBEA and other Chambers. Businesses, for their part, realize that the healthy working environment is not a luxury, but a prerequisite for competitiveness, viability and evolution, “said Deputy Minister of Social Cohesion and Family, Elena Rapti.
EBEA President Yiannis Bratakos emphasized the need for a rupture with the past of silence, saying: “Violence and harassment are real, hurting people – physically, mentally and morally – and undermine the effectiveness of businesses. For years, they were covered by the culture of silence and tolerance. Today, we have the obligation – but also the opportunity – to take a step forward. ” Mr Bratakos pointed out that, in addition to the law, “it is aimed at all adopting his spirit”. He emphasized the EBEA’s commitment to support small and medium -sized businesses in adopting prevention policies, saying that “changing mentality is a long process, but it is the only way to secure workplaces that respect dignity. The fight against violence is a matter of principle and a prerequisite for a healthy standard business based on moral and responsible governance. “
The role of businesses as actors in dealing with the phenomenon was discussed and the increase in visibility in the legal prism, by selected academic, legal and workplace guests who sent the message that the visibility, the cooperation of the bodies and the active attitude of all are the only way for all.
Source: Skai
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