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Social dialogue

Conclusions of the Greek Tripartite High Level meeting

Conclusions agreed between the Greek Social Partners and the Ministry of Labour At the High Level Meeting facilitated by the ILO Director-General.

Meeting document | 30 September 2014
A one-day Tripartite High Level meeting was held at the ILO HQ in Geneva with the participation of the Minister of Labour Vroutsis and Secretary General Stratinaki, and the leadership of the five institutional social partners operating at the national level (GSEE-Mr Panagopoulos; SEV-Mr Fessas & Mr Kyriazis,; ESEE-Mr Korkidis, and GSVEE-Mr Kavathas, SETE-Mr Andreadis, Mr Vernikos). The meeting, facilitated by the ILO Director-General, focused on the areas of collective dismissals and industrial action, on the basis of the comparative studies presented.

Conclusions:

- “The legal framework and procedures on collective dismissals in Greece”: The comparative ILO study and the relevant assessment of the new procedures, concluded that the existing legal framework in this area is in line with EU and international labour standards. The Employers‘ side emphasised the particular needs of enterprises in the case of restructuring and/or mergers and acquisitions, while the Workers’ side underscored the need to respect information and consultation rights.

The social partners confirmed their confidence in the tripartite Supreme Labour Council (ASE) procedure, as amended recently. They proposed to the government measures of institutional strengthening of the ASE, and agreed that the ILO could help monitor its functioning for a certain period of time.

-“lock out”: All parties acknowledged that there is no reason to amend the relevant legislation. Drawing on the comparative study presented, from a technical point of view, it was ascertained that employers acting in good faith, have adequate legislated means ensuring their protection, as per the relevant civil code provisions judiciary control, etc.

- “industrial action” : the comparative study presented, demonstrated that the national legislation protecting trade unions is in line with EU rules and practices. The workers’ side emphasized the historical and emblematic nature of Law 1264/1982, which constitutes at the European level a landmark of fundamental democratic rights.

Employers put forward that since the enactment of law 1264/1982, there have been certain areas in need of improvement, as well as practices distorting the law.

It was also agreed that a stable and uninhibited disbursement system of workers’ contributions, is of primary importance for the operation of trade unions.

The social partners further agreed to initiate talks in order to identify potential issues of discussion, with the support of the ILO.