Council of State: 13th and 14th salaries will not be returned to public employees
The Greek Council of State has rejected a case regarding the reinstatement of 13th and 14th salaries for public employees, concluding that their absence does not constitute discrimination or violate the Constitution.
The Council of State in Greece has delivered a dismissive ruling regarding the case presented by public sector representatives, specifically ADEDY and a teacher, aimed at reinstating the 13th and 14th salaries, colloquially known as holiday bonuses, for public employees. The Supreme Administrative Court determined that not receiving these additional payments does not amount to unfavorable discrimination nor does it contravene constitutional rights. This decision was reached during a closed-session meeting of the court, indicating the seriousness and confidentiality of the proceedings.
The case was significant as it involved the entirety of the public and broader public sector, which includes various public legal entities and local government authorities. It originated from a legal action taken by a teacher against the Greek State, concerning holiday and leave allowances. The petitions included appeals from approximately 700,000 public sector employees, all seeking the reinstatement of the holiday bonuses over the years 2023-2024, as stipulated by Greek law 3205/2003. The court's ruling signifies a substantial legal precedent regarding fiscal policies affecting public service remuneration.
Following the ruling, ADEDY, a primary labor union representing public employees, intervened in support of the teacher, indicating the broader implications of this decision on public sector labor relations in Greece. The publication of the ruling is awaited in the coming days, which could invoke further discussions about employee rights and compensation policies in the Greek public sector. The court's decision is anticipated to significantly impact public sector employees and their expectations regarding salary structures.