Three highly significant measures by GSEE to protect workers’ rights have been recorded in recent months, the Confederation said in a statement.
The withdrawal of a burdensome provision affecting workers’ access to the courts, and the promotion of institutional changes on remote representation in Labour Inspectorate proceedings and work on digital platforms, show that GSEE is intervening promptly, with evidence and determination, not only for the present but also for the future of work. Its specific initiatives and evidence-based proposals are delivering results.
1. Withdrawal of the highly burdensome provision on a «mandatory initial session» even in employment disputes
The withdrawal of the provision requiring an initial mediation session in employment disputes is highly significant. In an urgent intervention with the Ministry of Justice and through evidence-based positions submitted to the Economic and Social Council of Greece (ESC), GSEE highlighted that the measure would create additional financial and procedural barriers for workers, discouraging them from seeking justice.
2. Remote participation in proceedings for workers in island and border regions
GSEE’s intervention to improve access to the Labour Inspectorate was also effective. Following its initiative, workers in island and border regions were given the option of participating remotely in proceedings to resolve employment disputes, addressing a real problem of geographical and financial burdens.
The Confederation, however, did not stop at securing the legislative provision. In a new intervention with the relevant ministries, it is calling for its full implementation, with clear rules and safeguards to protect workers’ rights while ensuring the effectiveness of inspection work.
3. Effective transposition and implementation of the European directive on work on digital platforms
At the same time, GSEE is laying the groundwork to protect workers from the changes brought by the digital economy. As the European directive on work on digital platforms is transposed into national law, it has submitted specific proposals to the Ministry of Labour, calling for meaningful protection of employment and social security rights, more effective inspections and transparency in the use of algorithms that affect work.
A central element of its proposals is the introduction of genuine safeguards to recognise employment relationships where they exist, as well as the protection of collective rights and meaningful human oversight of automated decisions affecting workers. GSEE insists that technological progress must not come at the expense of employment protection, and that the use of artificial intelligence must be accompanied by clear rules, transparency and accountability.
Health and safety at work remains an equally non-negotiable priority. The alarming picture of workplace fatalities and accidents, highlighted by the recent fatal accident at Motor Oil’s facilities, underscores the need for more inspections, thorough investigations into the causes and action to address risks linked to work intensification and subcontracting chains.
GSEE is calling for the relevant institutions to function effectively, a stronger Labour Inspectorate, more preventive inspections across the country and rigorous enforcement of protection rules.
It is also highlighting the need for all workplace accidents to be recorded and investigated, without suppression or omissions. For the Confederation, protecting human life cannot be reduced to declarations; it requires effective prevention, inspections and accountability.
GSEE’s actions show that trade union intervention can play a decisive role in preventing burdensome measures, promoting necessary institutional changes and identifying new areas where workers need protection.
Armed with evidence, institutional advocacy and systematic cooperation with its member organisations across the country, the Confederation continues to press for workers’ rights to be turned from formal provisions into real, enforceable safeguards for every worker.