Hoteliers on the Greek island of Rhodes are calling for changes to the newly introduced Digital Work Card system, which tracks employees’ working hours. They have also requested a delay in its mandatory implementation within the tourism and food & beverage sectors, which is scheduled for March 1.
While the system aims to improve work hour transparency, the Rhodes Hotels Association and the Rhodes Hotel Managers Association have raised concerns about its application in the hotel industry, citing the sector’s unique characteristics. They have formally requested adjustments to the law to ensure smoother integration of the system within the hospitality sector.
Key concerns and requested adjustments
Labor Minister Niki Kerameus. Photo source: Labor Ministry
In a letter addressed to the Greek Minister for Employment and Social Security, Niki Kerameus, and the Secretary General for Work Relations Nikos Milapidis, the associations outlined several key issues that need to be addressed:
– Preparation Time: The time required for employees to prepare for work should be accounted for in the system.
– Days Off Calculation: Work hours should be equated to days off using a specific formula.
– Attendance Registration Penalties: Consideration of fines for employees who fail to register their attendance as required.
– Work Intervals and Breaks: Clarification of rules regarding non-continuous work hours, especially when shifts are broken up, and the necessity of breaks between shifts.
Call for delay in implementation
Electra Palace Rhodes.
Given these concerns, the hoteliers have requested a three-month delay in the mandatory implementation of the digital work card system. They argue that the extra time would allow businesses and employees to fully adjust to the new system.
The associations also pointed out that the pilot program for the digital work card was conducted when many hotels were closed for the season, which hindered the collection of meaningful data on how the system operates under high-tourism conditions. With the official implementation date approaching, they are urging the government to consider the challenges posed by the industry’s specific needs.
According to the two professional organizations, Minister Kerameus, during a recent visit to Rhodes, assured them that bilateral agreements between employers and employees, within the framework of local and national sectoral work contracts, would be honored by the ministry.
In the letter, the hoteliers said they are now waiting for the minister to fulfill this commitment by allowing the necessary adjustments to be made to the digital work card system, ensuring its smooth implementation and safeguarding both the functionality of the hotel sector and the well-being of employees.
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