The discussion in the Greek Parliament regarding the bill titled 'National Social Agreement for Strengthening Collective Labor Agreements' has once again highlighted the familiar positions of political parties on wage increases. Greek wages are notably low, with experts indicating that without significant investments and a change in the production model, any increase remains unattainable. Leaders, including Nikos Androulakis of PASOK, have made commitments, like increasing the share of wages in GDP by 1% annually over the next five years, though these intentions are met with skepticism due to the current economic conditions.

Statistics reveal that the adjusted average salary for full-time employment in Greece is projected to be €21,644 in 2024, placing it at the bottom of the European salary rankings. This situation is concerning as Greece's wages are significantly trailing behind neighboring countries, such as Bulgaria, Hungary, and Slovakia, which have lower unemployment rates and better economic benchmarks. The widening gap in salaries raises questions about the effectiveness of current economic policies and the urgent need for a structural overhaul to boost productivity.

Many argue that the low wage problem is compounded by the dual realities of formal and informal employment, with a prevalent issue of undeclared work contributing to inadequate salary levels. Addressing this situation requires a multifaceted approach, including stronger legislation around labor rights, improved investment opportunities, and an emphasis on creating quality jobs. The path forward will likely involve intense negotiations among political factions and a careful balancing of interests to foster a sustainable economic landscape for workers in Greece.