As “bold reform” characterized the digital work card, Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis during his visit to the Ministry of Labour.

The Prime Minister noted that the actual working time will be recorded and paid on the digital card, however he emphasized that he is in contact with the unions to overcome existing difficulties, making it clear at the same time that this is a unwavering government commitment to be applied across all sectors.

The prime minister also reiterated that the minimum wage at the end of four years will reach 950 euros.

The discussion mainly revolved around labor and insurance issues, such as the increase of the minimum wage, the reduction of insurance contributions and the reform of the Auxiliary Capital Insurance Fund (TEKA), while particular emphasis was placed on the catering and tourism sectors, on the intensification of controls and in individual issues, such as that of workers’ thermal stress in extreme weather conditions.

As he said, important work has been done at the Ministry of Labor throughout the five years, which is reflected in the reduction of unemployment, the creation of hundreds of thousands of new jobs, but also in the improvement of the working environment, always having as the first goal the protection of the rights of workers.

He also referred to the increase in jobs and the improvement of market conditions for women and pensioners who work without a cut in their pensions. Especially for retirees, he noted that 170,000 retirees have chosen this way of working to supplement their income.

He also emphasized the role of DYPA, which has new programs as additional munitions in the labor market, and the need to rationalize the framework for the transfer of workers from abroad, so that, as he said, “we do not have gaps in the market, such as in the primary sector and in construction.”

In addition, he referred to the further strengthening of 1555 as well as to the policies related to KEPAs. “The communication of our disabled fellow citizens with the state must be a priority of the ministry”, he emphasized.

For social insurance, he said that the time that pensions are given has been reduced while he announced that an emergency aid will be given to pensioners who did not get an increase due to a personal dispute. The extraordinary aid comes, as Mr. Mitsotakis said, from the extensive taxation of Greek refineries. “This is a measure of social justice,” he said characteristically.

For her part, the Minister of Labor and Social Security, Niki Kerameos, stated the following:

“We had a detailed discussion on all the issues of the portfolio. The two main axes are labor relations and social security.

We discussed the next steps, building on the important work that has been done in the last five years, aiming for an even better everyday working life for employees and a faster and more effective welfare state that contributes to the improvement of the labor landscape in our country.

The aim is to stimulate employment, safeguard workers’ rights and develop the economy.

We discussed its universal application Digital Job Card in the various sectors of professional activity, for issues of raising the minimum wage, according to the road map set by the prime minister, initiatives to further stimulate employment, the reduction of unemployment, which has already seen a very significant reduction, but also for the upgrading the Labor Market Needs Diagnosis Mechanism.

In the field of social security, we discussed the next steps in the digitization of e-EFKA, where a lot of work has already been done in recent years, but there is still room for improvement.

The aim is to get better and deliver faster pensions, improve the way 1555 works, reduce pension backlogs overall and improve services related to the Disability Certification Centres.

In all these issues, we believe that the best solutions can emerge through dialogue. We have already started and undertaken initiatives for a thorough dialogue with all social partners.

The time has come to see a new social contract of work on a new basis. There is a good mood from all sides.

We will be open, to take care of the welfare of the citizens, the stimulation of employment and the development of the economy”.