Greek hospitality workers will see their salaries increase by 8% by the end of 2026 thanks to a new labor agreement signed between the Hellenic Hoteliers Federation (POX) and the Panhellenic Federation of Food and Tourism Workers (POEET). The agreement, effective until December 31, 2026, outlines a 5% wage increase in 2025 and a further 3% in 2026.
As of January 1, 2025, average salaries will reach €1,000 for Category A workers (e.g., receptionists, cooks) and €950 for Category D workers (e.g., cleaners, laundresses). POX President Yannis Hatzis emphasized that these rates are 14.5% higher than Greece’s legal minimum wage, projected to be €950 by 2027. He also noted the agreement represents a cumulative 30% increase in hotel worker salaries from 2019 to 2026, highlighting the hotel industry’s crucial contribution to the Greek economy, generating over 50% of tourism revenue.
The agreement also establishes a new Occupational Insurance Fund, requiring employers to contribute 2% of each employee’s base salary. Furthermore, it introduces a mechanism for adjusting wages based on individual hotel companies’ financial performance.
Despite the wage agreement, Greek hoteliers have expressed concern over the implementation of the digital work card in the tourism sector. In a letter to the Ministry of Labor and Social Insurance, POX outlined proposals for a smoother transition, emphasizing the need to consider the industry’s unique characteristics and modernize labor market conditions. They urged a gradual implementation of the digital work card to allow the hospitality market to adapt effectively.