European Committee of Social Rights says Greek labour reforms violate international law
The European Committee of Social Rights, the body within the Council of Europe responsible for monitoring compliance with the European Social Charter, decided that parts of the Greek labour market reforms induced by the Troika are in violation of the European Social Charter.
8 November 2012
The decisions follow two complaints by Greek trade union organisations (see European Committee of Social Rights Decision on Complaint no. 65 and Decision on Complaint No. 66). The difference in labour and social protection between older and younger workers, including the introduction of a subminimum wage below the poverty line, and the absence of any dismissal protection during the first year of employment constitute a violation of the Social Charter. The Committee based parts of its findings on the conclusions of the ILO high level mission to Greece in September 2011.
The Committee stated that “while it may be reasonable for the crisis to prompt changes in current legislation and practices in one or other of these areas to restrict certain items of public spending or relieve constraints on businesses, these changes should not excessively destabilise the situation of those who enjoy the rights enshrined in the Charter”. The ILO tripartite committee on freedom of association is dealing with complaints lodged by Greek trade unions on the alleged violation of the core labour standards conventions on freedom of association and collective bargaining. Its conclusions are expected soon.
Picture © Odysseas Galinos Paparounis
The Committee stated that “while it may be reasonable for the crisis to prompt changes in current legislation and practices in one or other of these areas to restrict certain items of public spending or relieve constraints on businesses, these changes should not excessively destabilise the situation of those who enjoy the rights enshrined in the Charter”. The ILO tripartite committee on freedom of association is dealing with complaints lodged by Greek trade unions on the alleged violation of the core labour standards conventions on freedom of association and collective bargaining. Its conclusions are expected soon.
Picture © Odysseas Galinos Paparounis