Strike on Wednesday 23 October in the tourism sector in Greece: What travellers need to know.
Labour Unrest in Greek Tourism Sector
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Greece’s hospitality and tourism workers are set to stage a 24-hour strike on Wednesday, 23 October. Members of the POEET union cite gruelling work conditions, with many employees working 15-hour days, seven days a week, for up to five months annually.
The average monthly wage for these workers is approximately £1,050, which they must stretch to cover living expenses throughout the year. Union representatives highlight that prior to the financial crisis, workers received unemployment benefits for five months annually. This support has since been reduced to just three months.
Key demands include:
- Restoration of pre-crisis labour rights
- Improved workplace safety measures
- Enhanced tourism-related training programmes
- Strengthened regulatory oversight
The union emphasises the sector’s significant economic contribution, noting a turnover of £17.5 billion this year. They also point to the government’s reported primary surplus of £6.1 billion for the first half of the year.
A contentious issue is the government’s plan to tax gratuities from the first pound earned. Workers argue that many employers already factor tips into monthly salaries.
In a public statement, POEET members expressed gratitude to the “millions of tourists who visited our country this year”. They affirmed their commitment to providing memorable experiences, while stressing, “We are human beings, not machines”.
The strike will be accompanied by nationwide protests at:
- Tourist hub airports
- Local POEET offices
- The Ministry of Labour in Athens
This industrial action underscores the ongoing challenges faced by seasonal workers in Greece’s vital tourism industry, as they strive for improved working conditions and fair compensation.
The ferries are also expected to go on strike for 48 hours on 22 and 23 October.
Hotel Staff in Heraklion to Join Strike Action
On 23 October 2024, hotel workers in Heraklion will participate in a 24-hour strike alongside other workers in the catering and tourism sector. The strike action will include a demonstration at Heraklion Airport at 11:00 AM.
The Heraklion Hotel Employees Union has been campaigning since 2018 for the reinstatement of unemployment benefits for seasonal workers. These benefits are crucial for workers to survive during the winter months when tourism decreases. The union argues that reinstating these benefits would also serve as an incentive for workers to return to the industry.
Despite repeated promises from various Labour Ministers over the past six years, the current Minister, Ms Kerameos, has stated that unemployment benefits for seasonal workers are not a government priority. This stance has frustrated the union, especially considering the reported 20 billion euro profit from the current tourist season and a 7 billion euro primary surplus announced by the government.
The union expresses disappointment that both the government and hotel owners continue to maintain an unregulated work environment. Hotel owners have refused to engage in dialogue regarding the signing of a Sectoral Collective Labour Agreement.
Key demands of the striking workers include:
- Decent living conditions for seasonal workers throughout the year
- Restoration of unemployment funds to pre-austerity levels
- Collective Labour Agreements with fair wages and five-day, eight-hour work weeks
- Reinstatement of lump-sum retirement benefits after 20 years of service
- Enhanced health and safety measures in the workplace
- Reclassification of certain job roles as heavy and unhealthy professions
- Upgrading of tourism education schools and establishment of new tourism education schools
- Improved staffing of regulatory bodies
- Measures to protect workers’ income against rising costs of living
- Reinstatement of lump-sum payments after 20 years of service
The union is calling on all hotel employees, catering staff, and workers across the tourism spectrum to participate in the strike and join the demonstration. They view this action as essential for securing better working conditions and financial security in an industry vital to the Greek economy.
Hotel Staff in Chania and Rethymno: Strike and Rally at Daskalogiannis Airport
Additional, the hotel workers’ unions of Chania and Rethymno have issued a call to action. They are urging employees in the hospitality and tourism sectors to join a 24-hour strike on 23 October. The unions have planned a protest gathering at Chania Airport at 11:00 AM on the same day.
This strike is part of a larger movement within the Greek tourism industry. Workers are pushing for improved conditions and the reinstatement of benefits that were cut during previous economic challenges.
The unions argue that these changes are crucial for the well-being of seasonal workers. They emphasise the need for a liveable income during the off-season months when tourism slows down.
The struggle for better unemployment benefits has been ongoing since 2018. Despite repeated promises from various Labour Ministers, the current government claims this issue is not a priority. This stance has frustrated workers, especially given the reported profits from the tourism sector.
The situation is further complicated by the reluctance of hotel owners to engage in dialogue. Workers accuse them of maintaining an unregulated work environment by refusing to negotiate a sector-wide collective labour agreement.
The unions are calling for widespread participation in the strike. They view this action as a critical step in their ongoing fight for better working conditions and job security in the tourism sector.
Common Questions About the Greek Tourism Strike
What impact will the strike have on tourist activities?
The strike may disrupt some tourist activities in Greece. Tours and excursions could be cancelled. Restaurants and shops in tourist areas may also shut down or operate with reduced staff.
The ferries are also expected to go on strike for 48 hours on 22 and 23 October.
How might the 23 October strike affect flights?
Most international and domestic flights should operate normally. However, the gathering of strikers in front of the airports may lead to delays or disruptions in check-in and baggage handling.
What rights do tourists have if strikes disrupt their plans?
Travellers affected by strikes may be entitled to:
- Refunds for cancelled services
- Alternative transport options
- Compensation for significant delays
- Assistance from their travel insurance provider
- Help from their tour operator or travel agency
Visitors should keep all receipts and document any extra costs incurred due to the strike.
