Greece: Industrial relations

Original and updating author: Christos A Ioannou

Summary

• Workers have the right to form and join a trade union, but cannot be obliged to join one. (See Trade union rights)
• Collective agreements have, up to 2013, covered the majority of the workforce, and dealt with various issues. Since 2014, there has been a move towards individual agreements. (See Collective bargaining and agreements)
• Works councils may be set up, on the employees' initiative, in companies employing at least 50 workers, or 20 workers where there is no trade union present. (See Informing and consulting employees - general)
• There are various rules regarding employers' obligations to inform and consult prior to redundancies. (See Informing and consulting prior to redundancies)
• There are various rules regarding employers' obligations to inform and consult prior to business transfers. (See Informing and consulting prior to transfers)
• "Community-scale" undertakings must, in certain circumstances, establish a body to negotiate with management over the establishment of a European Works Council or an information and consultation procedure. (See European Works Councils)
• Lawfully constituted trade unions have a constitutional right to strike in order to "protect and promote the financial and the general labour interests of working people". (See Industrial action and picketing)