The Deputy Minister of Labor and Social Security, Anna Efthimiou, in the Plenary Session of the Parliament during the debate on the labor bill “Fair Work for All: Simplification of the Legislation – Support to the Employee – Protection in Practice – Pension Arrangements”, emphasized that the opposition is “erecting artificial walls”, requesting the withdrawal of the bill. He noted that through the discussion of the bill being passed, we are all judged on whether and how our political choices meet the modern demands of society.

“Today, citizens experience the difference. They find work more easily, with 8-hour work and declared overtime. They feel more secure that their insurance contributions are being paid regularly. Working mothers, civil servants, private, self-employed or farmers, now receive nine months of special maternity leave. Parents enjoy more leave, young people have more prospects, and retirees are actively participating in social and economic life.”

Enhancing rights – simplifying procedures

The Deputy Minister highlighted a series of positive regulations that strengthen workers, support motherhood and reduce bureaucracy:

Extension of maternity and maternity benefits to more employed women as well as foster mothers.
Entitlement of the parental leave allowance as non-assignable, non-seizable and tax-free.
Prohibition of salary reduction due to the inclusion of the employee in the digital work card.
Reduce bureaucracy and integrate digital tools to simplify processes.
Strengthening the better operation of the Labor Inspectorate
Modern and coherent framework for health and safety at work.
Two main goals in the Social Security portfolio

In absolute coordination with the Minister of Labour, Niki Kerameos, in the Social Security portfolio there are two clear goals: The first, ensuring the sustainability of the social security system – without any intention and no plan to increase the retirement age limits – and the second, strengthening justice by redressing injustices through targeted interventions.

“In the six months that I have been in this position, I have met over 50 agencies, with the aim of providing solutions, sometimes positive, sometimes negative, always with honesty and realism.”

Pensioners a priority – raises for all

The priority of the Ministry of Labor and Social Security and the Government, of course, is the support of all pensioners.

“Supporting pensioners is practical. After the announcement of the Prime Minister at the TIF, increases will be given to all pensioners, and to those who maintain a personal difference. Also, in addition to the annual increase in pensions, from November the 250 euro allowance will also be paid to the low-pensioners, based on specific age and income criteria”, underlined Mrs. Efthymiou.

Support for working pensioners

Referring to the solidarity levy, the Deputy Minister clarified that the government chooses a fair and socially balanced solution:

“Working retirees are not forced to work, they choose to. They do not deprive young people of positions, but they transmit experience and knowledge. With the new regulation, the increase in their pension will not lead to a higher solidarity contribution. Over 200,000 retired workers have already registered on the platform, which combats undeclared work and enhances transparency.”

Facilitation of receiving maternity allowance

The Deputy Minister analyzed the new regulation that unifies the insurance days of different funds, so that more salaried working mothers can receive the maternity allowance.

Calling all parties

Mrs. Efthimiou called on the opposition parties to recognize the positive points of the bill and to vote in favor of as many articles as possible, judging in an objective manner, with the aim of these articles, reinforced by a broad majority, to be better implemented in society.