Government Plans Union Law Amendment

The four changes planned to law 1264/1982, long considered the most liberal trade union law of Europe, are as follow:
1. Changes in how decisions to strike are taken. Today strikes can be launched in most cases just by decisions of administrative or general councils of organizations. According to the new provision, the decision shall be taken by a majority vote of 50% +1 of union members. That would require the convening of the general assembly of employees for the decision, as well as a longer warning to the employer.
2. An employer's right to stage a lockout is reinstated. Essentially this the right of an employer to close a business in the event of a long duration strike.
3. Review the ways and sources of funding of trade unions. Today unions are funded by the state through dues retained by the employer as a percentage of contributions to be paid to workers. This form of financing is mandatory for the participation of workers in unions.
4. Change in status of union member leaves. A large number of trade unionists don't work using the so-called union leaves. The status is set to become stricter in terms of who should benefit and how such leaves are granted.