The labor unions PEO, SEK, and DEOK have rejected the framework presented by the Labor Minister regarding the renewal of the Collective Agreement in the Construction Industry. They announced that the proposal does not provide immediate solutions to the sector's issues. Consequently, the unions will recommend a 24-hour warning strike to the General Assemblies of Construction Workers. The strike date will be determined by the Councils of Construction Trade Unions, based on ongoing developments.

In their announcement, the three unions stated that the Councils of Construction Trade Unions met yesterday to review the situation from the start of the negotiations for the renewal of the Collective Agreement in the Construction Industry up to now. After considering the Labor Minister's intervention, they concluded that the proposed framework, as presented verbally, cannot be accepted by the workers' side as it does not offer immediate solutions to the industry's problems.

The unions emphasized that nearly two years ago, they had sent their demands to the employers, highlighting the need to combat labor deregulation in the construction sector, which severely affects workers, genuine professional contractors, and the state's social funds.

"Unfortunately, our demands were not met, and today, based on a survey by the Ministry of Labor, it has been found that thousands of workers in the construction industry are being paid wages that do not meet the minimum wages agreed upon in the Collective Agreement. Specifically, about 40% of workers earn less than 1200 euros per month, with a significant number earning less than 1000 euros," stated PEO, SEK, and DEOK. They pointed out that this finding reinforces their demand for measures to ensure the implementation of the agreed minimum wages in the Collective Agreement of the Construction Industry, through specific legislative regulations and other concrete decisions.

"Regrettably, our experience has shown that despite specific agreements in the past, neither the Ministry of Labor nor the employers acted towards fulfilling those agreements, resulting in the current unacceptable conditions," they added. The unions stressed that any future agreement must bind the parties to take specific actions to promote and implement the agreed terms.

Given the above, PEO, SEK, and DEOK believe that with the current circumstances and the data at hand, they have no choice but to recommend to the construction workers, who will meet in General Assemblies in ten days, specifically on Thursday, July 25, 2024, to decide on a 24-hour warning strike.

The exact date of the strike will be determined by the Councils of Construction Trade Unions, depending on the developments and whenever deemed necessary.

The three unions expressed hope that the upcoming developments will allow for the avoidance of dynamic measures and the maintenance of labor peace.