New Support Measures for Greece’s Seasonal Tourism Workers

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Five measures to support seasonal employees in tourism, licensed tourist guides, tour leaders, and tour bus staff were announced on Tuesday after being finalized by Greece’s finance, labor and tourism ministries in collaboration with the Greek Tourism Confederation (SETE).

The news comes after Finance Minister Christos Staikouras pledged on Monday to channel more than 400 million euros into the tourism industry to help it recover after being among the hardest-hit by the Covid-19 pandemic.

Relevant legislation is expected in the coming days.

 More specifically, the measures are:

1. Seasonal employees in accommodation and tourist bus services who have been re-hired (mandatory) can be placed on furlough with monthly support for the months of May and June.
2. Seasonal employees in accommodation and tourist bus services who will not be hired in May and June can be placed on furlough with monthly support through the Ergani system.
3. Seasonal employees in accommodation and tourist bus services who have been re-engaged can be placed in the Syn-ergasia job retainment scheme starting in July through to September 2021, which offers full coverage of employer insurance contributions for the period of employment.
4. Seasonal employees who are not eligible for mandatory re-hiring can as of June 1 and for six months from recruitment participate in the labor ministry’s job program which will cover total insurance contributions and subsidize net salary by 200 euros.
5. Licensed tourist guides and tour leaders will be eligible for special purpose compensation for the months of March, April, and May 2021 after applying to the labor ministry’s Ergani system.