Labor Minister Niki Kerameos gave assurances that there would be no cuts to widow’s pensions during a wide-ranging interview she gave to ERTnews Radio 105.8 on the program “Morning Routes, ” which focused on current labor and social security issues, as well as developments on the national political scene.
More specifically, referring to the issue that has dominated the news in recent days following the Council of State ’s decision on widow’s pensions, Niki Kerameos emphasized: “I have made it abundantly clear that there will be no cuts to widow’s pensions as a result of the decision that came to light a few days ago.”
“Our retirees are already facing difficulties, just like so many of our fellow citizens, with a very difficult daily life and, in particular , with a wave of inflation, which undoubtedly exists both in our country and internationally; therefore, we will do everything in our power to support pensioners.
So, I will await the decision, and that is precisely why we have not taken any action to date, because this case was pending before the Council of State, and we were waiting to see exactly how the Council of State would rule, but I will await the decision, which has not yet been served, finalized, or issued. I will wait for the decision, and then we will legislate to protect widow’s pensioners regarding this issue that was brought before the Council of State.”
Arduous and hazardous work for nurses, drivers, and EKAV paramedics
Regarding the inclusion of nurses in the category of heavy and unhealthy occupations, the minister noted that: “This is a historic decision, in the sense that it has been a long-standing demand for many years.
And to be honest, there was an injustice, because some workers in these sectors in the private sector were covered and had the protection afforded to those in arduous and unhealthy occupations, while some in the public sector did not have that protection.
“Therefore, this regulation that I will present to the Cabinet next Tuesday rectifies a long-standing inequality that existed and thus serves to further protect this sector, which is so critical for all of us.”
The Ministry of Labor is responsible for this, she noted, in collaboration with the Ministry of Health.
As for what nurses will actually see under this regulation, Niki Kerameos referred to the presentation to be made after the cabinet meeting, where the details will be fully analyzed.
However, the regulation, as drafted, classifies the profession as heavy and unhealthy for both primary and supplementary insurance and allows for early full retirement under specific conditions. It also provides for the option of early retirement and other measures.
“So it is a comprehensive framework specifically for this frontline staff of the public health system.
The discussion that has been taking place all this time and the efforts made at the social security level were focused on nurses. Beyond that, the state is obviously considering all long-standing demands.
“However, at this moment, the discussion taking place is focused on specific sectors: nurses, drivers, and EKAΒ paramedics—a very critical specialty—and that is where Tuesday’s presentation will also focus.”
Collective Bargaining Agreements
Regarding the issue of collective bargaining agreements, the minister recalled that a year ago she had pointed out that there is significant room for improvement in the country regarding the coverage and protection provided by collective bargaining agreements.
“One option was to go to Parliament on our own, to propose legislation to strengthen the framework of collective bargaining agreements. We chose a more difficult path.
And the more difficult path was to establish a protective framework for workers and for the conclusion and extension of more collective agreements, following an agreement with all worker and employer representatives—that is, with all national social partners.”
As she noted, nine months later, the so-called “National Social Agreement” on collective agreements was reached.
The minister noted that following the adoption of the relevant framework, two significant collective agreements have already been signed, with one covering approximately 400,000 workers in the food service industry.
“Thanks to this new framework, which is favorable to collective bargaining agreements, a collective bargaining agreement was concluded—one that had been stalled for a very long time because no agreement could be reached.
The national minimum wage is 920 euros; the minimum wage in the food service sector ranges from 930 to 1,100 euros. So this automatically means significant pay raises.”
Digital Work Card
Referring to the digital work card, Niki Kerameos noted that its implementation has already yielded measurable results.
“When the card was first introduced in the tourism sector, we looked at the overtime recorded before the card was used, and afterward we saw an increase of nearly 1,200%.”
She explained that strict penalties are imposed in cases of violation of the measure.
“The fine for ‘doing it again’ if the Labor Inspectorate comes is 10,500 euros, and the Labor Inspectorate is everywhere.”
As she noted, in 2025, 2.7 million more hours of overtime were recorded compared to the previous year.
At the same time, he noted that over 2 million workers are already protected by the digital work card, while a new expansion of the measure is expected in early June.
“I have already announced the private healthcare sector, excluding doctors—that is, all hospitals and diagnostic centers, and so on. I have already announced the telecommunications sector, the cleaning services sector, and specific businesses such as hair salons, dry cleaners, funeral homes, and so on.”
The minister also reminded that in cases where the digital card is not used, employees can contact the 1555 hotline even anonymously.
New Bill on Equal Pay
Niki Kerameos noted that the provision regarding arduous and unhealthy work is included in a new bill by the Ministry of Labor on equal pay.
“Unfortunately, not only in Greece but also in Europe, there continue to be wage disparities of 12%–13% that are unjustified.”
As he explained, the bill aims to address unjustified pay disparities for similar work.
At the same time, it stipulates that job postings based on gender will be prohibited, while employers will be required to disclose either the salary or the salary range for the position prior to the interview.
Furthermore, employers will not be permitted to ask candidates for information regarding their previous salary.
The 1555 Hotline
Regarding line 1555, the Ministry of Labor’s Single Citizen Service Number, the minister noted that it receives millions of calls and serves as an essential tool for serving citizens.
“Obviously, not every case is that straightforward. There are cases that require reviewing detailed documents, examining the file, and so on.
Beyond that, however, it is very important that this service exists, that it literally serves millions of citizens. It wouldn’t have this impact and wouldn’t receive so many calls if it didn’t actually solve problems.”