Labour and Social Affairs Minister Niki Kerameus met representatives of the national social partners to discuss the ministry’s draft bill, which would set limits on the uncontrolled use of artificial intelligence in the labour market and improve working conditions for platform workers.
The meeting discussed the report prepared by the Labour Legislation Drafting Committee on the issue, based on European Directive 2024/2831.
The minister listened carefully to and recorded all the proposals, comments and views put forward by the national social partners, with a number of comments already accepted for incorporation.
“We listened very carefully to the positions and proposals of the national social partners. Their contribution to drafting this bill, too, will be decisive. Artificial intelligence is an extremely useful tool that significantly boosts productivity in the labour market.
But safeguards are also needed to protect workers and the labour market. New technologies must be used transparently”, said Labour and Social Affairs Minister Niki Kerameus, underlining the vital importance of dialogue in shaping a modern and fair institutional framework that meets European guidelines and the needs of the Greek economy.
The draft bill, now being advanced, would see the Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs set distinct limits for the first time on the use of algorithmic and automated artificial intelligence systems in managing the workforce employed on platforms, in order to curb their uncontrolled operation.
The draft bill under consideration rests on three main pillars:
First, it strengthens protection for workers by prohibiting the processing of highly sensitive personal data, such as information about their emotional or psychological state, private conversations, biometric data or health data. It also provides for impact assessments, disclosure of the algorithms and data used, and measures to protect workers’ health and safety from automated work management.
Second, it curbs the uncontrolled management of the workforce through artificial intelligence and automated systems: critical decisions cannot be left solely to these systems but are subject to human oversight, while workers have the right to an explanation and a review. The bill also provides for algorithms to be assessed with the participation of workers’ representatives, as well as mandatory information and consultation before such systems are introduced.
Third, it creates transparency obligations, including the establishment of a Digital Platforms Register in the ERGANI information system to record everyone who provides services on platforms. Platforms must provide the competent authorities with information about service providers and keep it up to date.
The meeting was attended by GSEE president Giannis Panagopoulos, SEV president Spyros Theodoropoulos, GSEVEE president Giorgos Kavathas and SVE president Loukia Saranti.
SETE president Agapi Sbokou was represented by Giorgos Amvrazis and Nikos Zoitos, while ESEE president Stavros Kafounis was represented by Charalambos Arachovas and Antonis Megoulis.
The ministry was represented by Nikos Milapidis, secretary-general for Labour Relations Nikos Milapidis.