According to the federation’s announcement, workers are demanding a collective labour agreement for the food and catering sector that includes:

  • wage increases

  • a five-day, eight-hour, 40-hour working week, and an additional payment for work on a sixth day, as applies in other sectors of the Greek economy

  • restoration of the unemployment benefit for seasonal workers to pre-memorandum levels, with coverage set at 80% of wages, as applies to other unemployed people

  • elimination of falsely declared work

  • stronger enforcement mechanisms

  • health and safety measures everywhere

Workers say the sector has historically supported tourism, one of the main pillars of the Greek economy, but that working conditions do not reflect their contribution.

The strike is part of a broader effort to pressure for the signing of a new collective agreement, with union representatives saying they are determined to continue mobilisations if there is no response.

Today’s message from catering and tourism workers, the federation says, is clear: without regulation, enforcement and decent working conditions, the sector cannot sustainably support the next tourist season.

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