In a statement, president of the Central Union of Greek Chambers of Commerce (CCHC), Giannis Voutsinas, responds to Nikos Androulakis on the working 32 or 35 hours with full pay.
“Fewer hours without productivity increase the cost for SMEs and reinforce the inertia of the spirit,” says Mr Voutsinas in response to the president of PASOK and the reduction of working hours.
The president of the CECE, Yannis Voutsinas, argues that including reduction of working hours without productivity gains will increase labour costs and will put particular pressure on small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). It recognises that talk of fewer working hours is positive, but only if reforms such as enhancing productivity, digital transformation, skills improvements and a stable economic environment precede it.
The statement in detail:
“The proposal by the president of PASOK-Ministry of Change, Nikos Androulakis, to reduce the working week to 32 or 35 hours with full pay is attractive at first sight, but it does not “stand up” to the real economy. Greece remains significantly behind in productivity: about 46% of the Eurozone average in GDP per hour worked and about 30% below the EU average, and still below 2009 levels. In this environment, an across-the-board reduction in working time with equal pay means an increase in costs without a corresponding increase in output. The burden will fall mainly on micro enterprises, which constitute the vast majority of the Greek market. For them, such a measure would entail practical problems such as the inability to cover working hours and a further increase in operating costs. In addition, these businesses face major shortages of human resources.
The CCEE does not reject the discussion on the reduction of working hours. A prerequisite, however, is that it is preceded by a substantial boost to productivity: investment in digital transformation, upgrading skills, reducing non-wage costs and a stable business environment. And all this on the basis that micro-enterprises are not a “disruptive weakness” of the Greek economy but the real economy. Statements without documentation and costing create unrealistic expectations for workers and uncertainty for businesses. The issue is not slogans, but feasible policies.
The KEEE calls on all political forces to submit comprehensive proposals with clear costs and impact studies, especially for small and medium-sized enterprises and their core micro enterprises, which constitute the vast majority of them. Dialogue on the future of work requires evidence and realism.”
