Speaking about what working parents can do to stay home with their children when schools close due to severe weather, as well as collective labor agreements, Niki Kerameos, Minister of Labor and Social Security, appeared on Parapolitika 90.1 radio show “Ekeini ki ego” with Thanasis Fouskidis and Stella Gantona.
Initially asked about school closures due to severe weather and whether there should be a framework for private sector workers, she said: “They can use child supervision leave and the absence will be justified. There is provision for this. This doesn’t happen often, it’s rare, there’s a range of options to support parents. We also issued an announcement encouraging remote work. This leave exists but may not be widely known – those who called the ministry were informed about it.”
Kerameos on collective agreements
Asked about collective agreements and future changes, she stated: “Our country has seen major changes in the labor environment, significant increase in employment and compliance – these are very promising elements. However, there’s substantial room for improvement in collective agreements and how workers are protected.
In practice, this will be legislated in early 2026 – my plans are for January. What changes:
-Collective agreements will be extended more easily, meaning wage increases
-When a collective agreement expires, all its terms continue to apply.
Weekend trip to the US
“My trip to the US is part of the government’s systematic effort to bring back Greeks living abroad.”
