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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.<\/p>\n
As of January 1, 2025, average salaries will reach \u20ac1,000 for Category A workers (e.g., receptionists, cooks) and \u20ac950 for Category D workers (e.g., cleaners, laundresses). POX President Yannis Hatzis emphasized that these rates are 14.5% higher than Greece\u2019s legal minimum wage, projected to be \u20ac950 by 2027. He also noted the agreement represents a cumulative 30% increase in hotel worker salaries from 2019 to 2026, highlighting the hotel industry\u2019s crucial contribution to the Greek economy, generating over 50% of tourism revenue.<\/p>\n
The agreement also establishes a new Occupational Insurance Fund, requiring employers to contribute 2% of each employee\u2019s base salary. Furthermore, it introduces a mechanism for adjusting wages based on individual hotel companies\u2019 financial performance.<\/p>\n
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\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n