Comment by SYRIZA–Progressive Alliance’s Shadow Minister for Labor and Social Insurance, Giorgos Gavrilis, on the Inadequate Government Measures Against Heat Stress for Workers
Giorgos Gavrilis criticizes the Greek Ministry of Labor’s response to the ongoing heatwave, highlighting insufficient protections for workers, especially those exposed to extreme temperatures outdoors. He argues that the circular issued in June 2024 on heat protection is short-term, non-binding, and lacks national and sectoral coverage, leaving many workers vulnerable to employer negligence.
Gavrilis points to recent fatalities — three workers died in late June under intense heat — adding to 114 recorded work-related deaths by June 30, 2025. He questions why the government has not adopted a permanent, comprehensive heat protection framework, already agreed upon by social partners, which could cover various extreme conditions.
He also highlights:
- The understaffing of labor inspection mechanisms (SEPE), which makes enforcement ineffective.
- The lack of clear penalties for employer non-compliance.
- Broader issues like 13-hour workdays, unpaid overtime, and elderly workers being forced to work due to insufficient pensions.
SYRIZA–PS plans to submit a parliamentary question demanding legally binding and nationwide measures for worker protection during extreme weather. They also call for restoring SEPE under the Ministry of Labor and ensuring it is fully staffed.
Gavrilis concludes by stressing that safe and healthy working conditions are a basic right, not a luxury, and denounces the government’s neoliberal policies for increasing worker exploitation and workplace accidents.
