kathimerini.gr
Greece Expands Digital Work Card System, Intensifies Labor Inspections
Greece's Labor Inspection Authority is intensifying checks and expanding its digital work card system to combat undeclared labor, targeting energy, wholesale, finance, and travel sectors; last month, €1.35 million in fines were issued for 98 undeclared labor violations.
- What are the potential long-term impacts of this initiative on the Greek economy and labor market?
- The 69,000 planned inspections for 2025 will target high-risk sectors and businesses with past violations, focusing on seasonal businesses, those employing temporary or foreign workers, and those using or soon to use the digital work card system. The expansion of digital work cards to 380,000 more workers will further enhance oversight and ensure fair compensation based on actual working hours.
- How effective has the digital work card system been in reducing undeclared labor and ensuring fair compensation?
- This initiative aims to increase tax revenue for the EFKA (social security) and the state, reduce unfair competition, and protect workers' rights. The expansion builds upon the existing system, which already covers over 200,000 businesses and 1.5 million employees, showing a 64.9% increase in officially reported overtime in Q1 2025 compared to Q1 2024.
- What are the immediate consequences of increased labor inspections and expansion of the digital work card system in Greece?
- In Greece, the Labor Inspection Authority conducted widespread checks and expanded the digital work card system to energy, wholesale, finance, and travel sectors to combat undeclared or underinsured labor. Last month, €1.35 million in fines were issued for 98 undeclared labor violations, part of €3.45 million total fines for labor law violations.
Cognitive Concepts
Framing Bias
The article's framing is overwhelmingly positive towards the government's initiatives. The significant increase in fines for undeclared labor and the positive statistics regarding overtime reported through the Ergani system are prominently featured. This emphasis might lead readers to perceive the measures as unequivocally successful, without a balanced presentation of potential drawbacks or limitations.
Language Bias
The language used is largely neutral, although phrases like "strong weapons" to describe the inspections and digital work card imply a more forceful approach than might be considered entirely objective. The repeated emphasis on positive outcomes without balanced criticism could also subtly influence the reader's perception.
Bias by Omission
The article focuses primarily on the positive impacts of the digital work card and increased inspections, potentially omitting negative consequences or challenges associated with these measures. The article also does not discuss the potential impact of these measures on small businesses or the administrative burden they may place on employers. Further, the article does not offer counterarguments to the stated benefits, limiting the reader's ability to form a fully informed opinion.
False Dichotomy
The article presents a somewhat simplistic view, framing the digital work card and increased inspections as the primary solutions to issues of undeclared and underpaid labor. It doesn't thoroughly explore alternative solutions or acknowledge the complexities of addressing these labor issues.
Sustainable Development Goals
The article highlights measures to combat undeclared work, improve working conditions, and ensure fair wages. This directly contributes to decent work and economic growth by protecting workers' rights, reducing tax evasion, and promoting fair competition.