Athens: Protest and March of Workers in Hospitality and Tourism
Workers in the tourism and hospitality sectors held a protest march in central Athens, demanding a collective labor agreement and a meeting with the Minister of Labor.
In Athens, workers from the tourism and hospitality sectors organized a protest march towards the Maximos Mansion, the official residence of the Prime Minister, following a gathering outside the Ministry of Labor. This demonstration was part of a strike led by the Panhellenic Federation of Workers in Hospitality and Tourism (POEET) aimed at addressing ongoing labor concerns in these essential sectors. The protesters emphasized the importance of their demands, which include the signing of a collective labor agreement to secure better working conditions and compensation.
The march saw a brief meeting between worker representatives and Konstantinos Tsagkaropoulos, the General Secretary of Social Security. However, further dialogue with Labor Minister Niki Kerameus was not possible, raising concerns about the government's responsiveness to the needs of seasonal workers in the industry. The call for a meeting reflects the urgency that labor advocates have in addressing the situation of workers, particularly in light of continuing economic pressures.
One of the primary demands articulated by the protesters is the reinstatement of unemployment benefits specifically for seasonal workers in the hospitality sector. George Chatzoglou, the President of POEET, emphasized this need during his public statements, illustrating the precarious economic situation many workers face after the pandemic and during off-peak seasons. This protest not only highlights the challenges within the local economy but also signifies a broader struggle for labor rights and policies that support vulnerable workers in Greeceβs vital tourism sector.