Michailidou: Strict compliance with labour legislation in tourism is our main concern

"The tourism sector is an important part of the growth of the Greek economy. Our concern is that its employees receive the 'dividend' that is due to them from this growth, to which they actively contribute. This is achieved both by increasing wages and by ensuring excellent working conditions," Labour and Social Security Minister Domna Michailidou said on Tuesday after her meeting with Tourism Minister Olga Kefalogianni.

"Our main concern," Michailidou added, "is to support the workforce in tourism, especially ahead of the summer season. One measure in this direction was that we brought the increase in the minimum wage forward this year, in order to cover those of our fellow citizens who work in tourism and are not covered by a collective agreement. For us, at the labour ministry, the protection of workers and ensuring their rights are a cornerstone of our policies. That is why strict compliance with labour legislation in the tourism sector is our main concern."

On her part, Tourism Minister Olga Kefalogianni said: "Today's meeting with the Minister of Labour and Social Security, Domna Michailidou, was particularly constructive. A common ground in our discussion, but also an area of our concern, is the most important asset of Greek tourism, which is the human factor. We want workers with guaranteed rights and good working conditions, with the aim of further improving the quality of the modern tourism product."