Greek unions welcome new legislation

GREECE: The IMF-affiliated Greek Federation of Electrotechnicians reports that the government has passed sound legislative reforms for the country's social security system which not only protect acquired pension rights, but are also more egalitarian and flexible. The last few years had been witness to strong trade union mobilisation and strikes against the Greek government's initial anti-social proposals to reform the state pension system. This mobilisation as well as the trade unions' efforts to create constructive dialogue with the government have now paid off. One of many points concerning the new legislation, which covers both the public and private sectors, provides for the state's active participation in tripartite financing of the social security system. Another new provision offers the possibility of receiving full pension rights after 37 years of work, irrespective of age. The new legislation is far more flexible, for example with regard to workers' individual circumstances, and for working mothers. The Electrotechnicians' union has also informed the IMF that, following arbitration, they have endorsed the proposed wages and working conditions for the three collective agreements in their branch - for electrotechnicians, radiotechnicians and radioelectricians.