With a strong message of unity, Crete’s MPs, representatives of the Region, all of the island’s Hotel Owners’ Associations, the Pancretan Association of Hotel Managers, all Hotel Employees’ Unions, the Union of Tourism and Catering Workers, Crete’s Labour Centres, and the Cooks and Pastry Chefs’ Union signed a joint resolution in support of the request to extend unemployment benefits during the “dead” season.
The initiative aims to support thousands of seasonal workers, who form the backbone of the tourism industry, while ensuring that Greek tourism continues to rely on highly skilled professionals in hotel and tourism services.
The joint resolution was issued during a working meeting of all the above bodies, initiated by the Hotel Employees’ Unions of Crete.
Extension of Unemployment Benefits to 5–6 Months
Crete’s primary-level Hotel Employees’ Unions submitted a detailed memorandum to all relevant authorities, with key demands:
Extending the duration of unemployment benefits to 5–6 months.
Fairly revising eligibility criteria based on total work time.
The memorandum concludes:
“Tourism cannot be based on workers’ deprivation.
Either we will live from tourism or we will abandon it.
Tourism cannot rely on workers who are left without support for half the year. Substantial political will is needed to address this injustice.”
The unions’ memorandum also highlights:
“The current situation, where unemployment benefits last only three months, drives workers to despair and destitution. From January until the restart of the tourism season, thousands of families are left without any income support. This is a blatant injustice against people who every summer carry Greek tourism on their shoulders, with hard work and personal sacrifices.
This situation:
– Discourages young people from entering or staying in the sector.
– Drives thousands of workers to emigrate.
– Creates serious staffing problems for hotels.”
