Employers and workers signed a new sectoral collective labour agreement for the food service, tourism, and bakery sectors during a meeting held at the offices of the Hellenic Confederation of Professionals, Craftsmen and Merchants.
The agreement involved participation from the General Confederation of Greek Workers, GSEVEE, the Panhellenic Federation of Employees in Catering and Tourism, the Panhellenic Federation of Restaurants and Related Professions, and the Federation of Greek Bakers. The organisations proceeded with the co-signing of sectoral agreements following a recent social agreement, enabling their extension across the entire workforce in the sectors.
The initiative aimed to strengthen collective bargaining in one of Greece’s most important economic sectors ahead of the new tourism season, focusing on ensuring fair wages, stable labour relations, and improved working conditions.
GSEVEE president Giorgos Kavvathas said the agreement implemented in practice the framework deal signed by national social partners and the Labour Ministry, which had now become state law. He added that from 1 April 2026, all workers in the food service and bakery sectors would be fully covered by the agreements.
Kavvathas stated that meaningful social dialogue had produced tangible results benefiting both employees and employers, while also helping to prevent unfair competition between businesses.
GSEE president Giannis Panagopoulos said the agreement covered the entire workforce in the sectors, noting that more than 50 activity codes fell under its scope and that it could affect over 510,000 workers.
He emphasised that the agreement represented the largest collective labour contract signed since the post-memorandum period, adding that it would provide extended coverage and serve as a key tool against unfair competition.
Georgios Chotzoglou, president of the federation of catering and tourism workers, described the agreement as the largest of its kind in the country, highlighting the sector’s role as Greece’s second-largest employer after the public sector.
Elsa Koukoumeria, president of the Federation of Greek Bakers, called the agreement a significant milestone, stating that cooperation and dialogue among stakeholders had enabled sustainable and improved outcomes for workers.
Meanwhile, GSEE general secretary Nikos Fotopoulos said he signed the agreement despite reservations about GSEE’s involvement, in order to secure wage increases for workers in the sector.
