Subject: Workers in the tourism industry
Far from shrinking during the 10-year economic crisis in Greece, the tourism sector has seen the number of arrivals virtually double and a large increase in revenue and profits, despite the fact that these are largely not registered in Greece. This impressive profitability has not been reflected in improved conditions for employees, but rather has been built on the intensification of work, major cuts in wages, upheavals in employment and social security rights and the displacement of the self- employed and small family businesses. As a result of the policies pursued by the EU and national governments, employment is a free-for-all: indeed this has been the precondition for the recovery of the capitalist system.
Now workers are once again facing a major onslaught on their rights from business interests:
How does the Commission view demands :
1. that when undertakings start operating again normally, workers should enjoy an employment relationship with the same rights as before, that the conditions included in the Collective Labour Agreements should be implemented, that all workers - permanent and seasonal alike - should be hired again and that steps should be taken to safeguard their wages?
2. that the same level of protection should be granted to workers in flexible employment, ‘loaned’ workers with one-day contracts, who have been the subject of legislation over time by successive governments to meet the needs of big business?
3. that unemployment benefit should be granted, without terms and conditions, at 80% of the basic wages and that health protection measures should be adopted forthwith?
Answer given by Mr Schmit on behalf of the European Commission
(31 August 2020)
The coronavirus outbreak has led to widespread disruptions in economic activities. The EU has been supporting Member States to help mitigate the economic and social impact of the crisis (1). In particular, it has promoted the use of short-time work schemes and similar measures aimed at preserving employment, creating the basis for a swift recovery. Labour relations are governed by national legislation. In principle, when labour contracts are not terminated but only suspended (fully or partially), the same labour conditions should apply again once activities resume.
Employment protection is also primarily a national competence. At EU level, Directive 2019/1152 on Transparent and Predictable Working Conditions (2) has set new minimum rights for all workers, addressing insufficient protection for workers in more precarious jobs while maintaining labour market adaptability.
Regarding unemployment benefits, the European Pillar of Social Rights states that the unemployed have the right to adequate unemployment benefits of reasonable duration, in line with their contributions and national eligibility rules. The design and management of national social protection systems is a national competence (3). It is therefore the responsibility of the Member States to determine the level of unemployment benefits and the eligibility conditions.
⋅1∙ For an overview of the Commission’s response, please see: https://ec.europa.eu/info/live-work-travel-eu/health/coronavirus-response-
0/overview-commissions-response_en ⋅2∙
Directive (EU) 2019/1152 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 20 June 2019 on transparent and predictable working conditions in the European Union.
⋅3∙ Article 153 (4) of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union.