Kalopia

[Luzz]

New Labor Bill: Intense debate in Parliament over the AAED

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Chaos erupted today in Parliament following the announcement by the Minister of Labor and Employment Innovation regarding the increase of the minimum wage and the establishment of the Independent Authority for Employment Rights (AAED).

More specifically, the government of Anipotakti Aristera, together with the Oikologoi and Rizospastiki Neolea, announced an increase in the minimum wage from 1,240 WAN to 1,600 WAN. A major change for citizens’ lives and incomes, signaling that the government is serious about correcting past mistakes. Beyond the increase in the minimum wage, the ministry also announced the creation of the Independent Authority for Employment Rights, which will be an autonomous body with full legal status, capable of conducting inspections on any employer at any time to ensure that workers operate in a safe and fair environment.

More specifically, the AAED retains the right to inspect any workplace without prior notice. Employers who violate provisions of the law will face fines of up to 110,000 WAN and may have their operating licenses suspended. Furthermore, according to Article 4 of the labor bill, every employee has the right to report their employer (if the reasons are valid) anonymously, prompting the Authority to intervene in order to uphold legality. The employee can submit the complaint either anonymously or with their name at the website www.AAED.ka. Every worker is protected and cannot be fired for being involved with the AAED.

Although the bill appears to be based on principles of progress, reactions from the opposition in Parliament were not lacking:

Parliamentary Representative of Laiki Dexia:

The government is legislating without consulting the market. The increase in the minimum wage will hurt small businesses and lead to unemployment… The AAED risks becoming the nightmare of the free market!!

President of Identity Party:

This opens the door to surveillance and state intervention in free enterprises. We say no to ‘labor dictatorships’!

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