kathimerini.gr
Greek Agricultural Workers Find Better Opportunities Abroad
Faced with low wages and poor working conditions in Greece, young Greek workers are increasingly seeking agricultural employment in other European countries, finding better pay and working conditions in France, Switzerland, Denmark, and elsewhere.
- How do the working conditions and compensation in foreign agricultural jobs compare to those in Greece?
- Driven by economic hardship and better opportunities, many young Greeks are migrating to agricultural work in other European countries. They are drawn by higher wages, stable contracts (unlike in Greece), and better treatment. This highlights the disparities in labor standards and compensation between Greece and other EU nations.
- What are the primary factors pushing Greek workers to seek agricultural jobs in other European countries?
- Greek workers are increasingly finding better-paying agricultural jobs abroad, seeking higher wages and improved working conditions unavailable in Greece. One woman, Varvara, earns €1,400 per month in France, compared to her previous €8.5/hour in Greece without social security contributions. Another, Fotis, earned €18/hour harvesting grapes in Switzerland, significantly more than he could earn in Greece.
- What are the potential long-term consequences of this emigration of Greek agricultural workers on the Greek economy and agricultural sector?
- This trend of Greek agricultural workers seeking employment abroad reveals systemic issues within the Greek agricultural sector, including low wages, irregular payments, and a lack of worker protections. This outflow of skilled labor could negatively impact Greek agricultural production and economic development unless significant reforms are implemented.
Cognitive Concepts
Framing Bias
The article frames the story positively, emphasizing the benefits of working in agriculture abroad for Greek workers. The narratives of Barbara, Fotis, and Vasilis are presented as success stories, highlighting improved working conditions, higher wages, and a sense of respect. However, this positive framing could potentially downplay the challenges and difficulties some workers may encounter.
Bias by Omission
The article focuses primarily on the experiences of Barbara, Fotis, and Vasilis, offering limited insights into the broader trends of Greek workers seeking agricultural employment abroad. While it mentions other countries and crops, a more comprehensive overview of the overall situation and the diversity of experiences would enrich the analysis. The article also omits discussion of potential downsides to working abroad, such as homesickness or difficulties with language and cultural adjustment. These omissions, however, are likely due to scope limitations rather than intentional bias.
Gender Bias
The article features Barbara prominently, showcasing her experiences working in agriculture in France. While this is positive representation of a woman in a traditionally male-dominated field, it does not explicitly discuss gender dynamics within the broader context of Greek agricultural workers abroad. More information on gender representation in these jobs would be needed to assess for gender bias more fully.
Sustainable Development Goals
The article highlights how Greek workers find better working conditions and higher wages in agricultural jobs abroad compared to Greece. This contributes positively to SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth) by improving employment opportunities, wages, and working conditions for these individuals. The consistent mention of higher wages (e.g., "1.400 ευρώ τον μήνα", "18 ευρώ την ώρα") and stable contracts contrasts sharply with the precarious employment situation described in Greece. The improved working conditions are also explicitly mentioned ("Απλά, έξω μας σέβονται περισσότερο").