The Panhellenic Federation of Food and Tourism Workers (POEET) has announced a nationwide 24-hour strike for June 24, 2026, in protest over a series of unresolved issues affecting seasonal workers in the sector.
According to the federation, “for two years now, we have been waiting for a response from the Ministry of Labor regarding the duration of unemployment benefits for seasonal workers, which is the main reason for the mass exodus of workers from the sector.”
POEET also points out that the increase in the minimum wage is having a knock-on effect on the Unemployment Fund, resulting in what it describes as workers exceeding the tax-free threshold, creating additional financial burdens for employees.
The federation further notes that, three years in, full implementation of the Digital Work Card has still not been achieved across the sector. As it explains, any hotel or restaurant whose primary business classification falls outside the hospitality sector, such as a construction, agricultural, or earthmoving company, is not required to use the Digital Work Card.
POEET also raises concerns about poor working conditions and the failure of employers to apply the Sectoral Collective Labor Agreements that were recently signed as part of the Social Agreement, placing the responsibility squarely on employers.
In the days ahead, federation representatives will visit workplaces and local union chapters across the country to ensure the strike action is as well organized as possible.
