The 112th session of the International Labor Conference is taking place in Geneva, Switzerland, from 3 June to 14 June. Addressing the Conference, Greek Minister for Labour and Social Security, Ms Domna Maria Michailidou stressed that “a sincere and thorough discussion on the renewal of the social contract in the workplace is not a policy imperative. It is a moral imperative”.
Issues such as worker protection against climate change, as well as the future of the care economy will top this year’s Session. Both challenges have a direct impact on the Greek economy and society.
With regard to the care economy, according to a survey by the ELIAMEP think tank, Greece comes first among European countries in the share of people that provide informal care on a weekly basis (mostly family members, relatives, friends and neighbors). The Greek percentage is actually double the European average (17%). With the demographic trend increasing the share of elderly population, the issue of this type of economic activity will gradually become larger in both size and significance.
Climate change is also expected to affect employment trends in Greece. Crucial sectors, on which Greece depends, such as tourism, agriculture and urban life face a huge stress test as climate change puts a strain on the country’s natural and human resources. It is projected that many large cities will lose hundreds of million euros due to this inevitable decrease in labor productivity by as early as 2050.
Did you know?
The International Labour Organisation is devoted to promoting social justice and internationally recognized human and labor rights. Greece has been a member since 1919!