Santorini, Greece.
The Greek government is considering a new financial support package for businesses on the island of Santorini if seismic activity persists after the Easter holiday.
According to local media reports, the proposed aid would extend assistance to both businesses and employees, following a model similar to the Covid-19 support measures. The initiative comes as concerns grow over the impact of ongoing tremors on the island’s tourism season, with reports indicating a decline in bookings due to fears of a larger earthquake.
Currently, special support measures have been introduced for businesses on Santorini and Amorgos, both of which remain under a state of emergency. These measures allow employers to suspend employment contracts between February 1 and March 3, 2025. Affected employees are entitled to a special-purpose allowance of 534 euros for a 30-day period.
Photo source: Municipality of Amorgos
However, the Hellenic Confederation of Commerce and Entrepreneurship (ESEE) and the General Confederation of Greek Workers (GSEE) have urged the government to expand support for affected businesses on Santorini.
“All support measures for businesses in the Municipality of Thira should mirror those implemented during the pandemic,” stated ESEE President Stavros Kafounis in a recent article published in the Greek press.
Additionally, GSEE has called on the Ministry of Labor to increase compensation for affected workers on Santorini and Amorgos, proposing that payments be set at a minimum of 82 percent of the applicable minimum wage, rather than the fixed 534 euros, with full coverage of insurance contributions. The union has also requested that seasonal businesses (operating up to nine months per year) be included in the suspension measure, rather than limiting it to year-round enterprises.
Meanwhile, in a related development, the Greek Ministry of Interior has signed a funding contract worth 850,000 euros to support Santorini, Amorgos, Anafi, and Ios in addressing emergency needs resulting from ongoing seismic activity in the southern Cyclades.
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