Sharp Rise in Overtime Recorded with Digital Work Card Implementation
The 'Ergani' labor database has reported a significant increase in recorded overtime hours across industries utilizing the Digital Work Card, according to data released Thursday. Over 815,509 additional overtime hours were logged in 2024 compared to years prior to the system’s introduction on July 1, 2022. Initially launched in banks and large supermarkets, the system is set to expand to all businesses regardless of size or sector, CE Report quotes Athens-Macedonian
Key sectors showing notable increases in overtime include:
- Supermarkets: up 60% (216,731 hours in 2024 vs. 135,466 in 2021)
- Banks: up 38.3% (82,236 hours in 2024 vs. 59,470 in 2021)
- Security services: up 27.8% (454,547 hours in 2024 vs. 355,584 in 2022)
- Industry: up 34.3% (2,019,082 hours in 2024 vs. 1,503,813 in 2023)
- Retail: up 28.1% (474,999 hours in 2024 vs. 370,883 in 2023)
Labor and Social Insurance Minister Niki Kerameus emphasized the system’s role in tackling unreported labor, stating, “The Digital Work Card ensures workers’ rights by accurately recording work hours and guaranteeing proper compensation. It also supports fair competition by combating labor violations.”
The system is currently being tested in the tourism and food sectors, with full implementation slated for March 1, 2025. Once expanded, the Digital Work Card will protect approximately 1.5 million employees.
