Troika experts on Monday urged greater flexibility in the Greek labour market, during a meeting with the political leadership of the labour and social insurances ministry.
The representatives of the IMF, ECB and the European Commission asked for measures to promote work time and limited time contracts, which are commitments included in a memorandum signed between Greece and the troika. The ministry, conversely, views current regulations as adequate, with more negotiation is expected on the issue.
The troika members did not ask for any new legislative initiatives, nor set timetables, although discussions were set to continue on a technical level and the troika could present more specific proposals during their next meeting in three months.
Ministry officials stressed there was a “red line” covered by European labour laws, which was generally accepted by the troika delegation. Both sides confirmed their will to promote implementation of new legislation on signing business labour contracts. Ministry officials, however, noted that the government was determined to insist on safeguarding the collective representation of employees in negotiations over signing such contracts.
They also said the troika representatives accepted reports on the viability of the pension system, which meant that there would be no changes in the basic pension rate.
source: ANA
