The Hellenic Radio (ERA): News in English, 10-06-17

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From: The Hellenic Radio (ERA) <www.ert.gr/>

CONTENTS

[01] Brussels: Talks on Economy & National Issues

Leaders of the EU 27 member states, meeting in Brussels within the framework of EU Summit meeting , will center talks new European strategy "Europe 2020" targeting at economic policy coordination and tightening Stability Pact rules. Also particular emphasis is expected to be given to improvement of training and promotion of social adoption by reducing poverty in the mid of the financial crisis.

An issue expected to be raised is imposition o sanctions such as suspension of community finances on member states systematically violating Stability Pact rules. This issue is of special importance to Greece since the EU Commission believes that the country should be prepared to take additional measures if necessary.

In a special report on EU member states finances, the EU Commission sounds the bell to member states with high debts.

The Greek Finance Ministry, however, underlines that reduction of state deficit in 2010 is quite achievable while there is no official statement confirming or denying imposition of additional measures.

Beyond financial and growth issues, Prime-minister George Papandreou will have the opportunity to discuss national issues with his FYROM counterpart Nikola Gruevsky on the sidelines of the summit. "New York Times" carries a commendatory article about Greek Prime-minister G. Papandreou and his efforts to deal with the financial crisis.

The sincerity of Greece's prime-minister and real economic data have secured the rescue package for Greece, adding his strategy seems to be bearing fruit although risk of bankruptcy remains, says the newspaper.

I opted to tell the truth not only about the bad situation of state finances but also about the extent of corruption and tax evasion said the Prime-minister in his interview.

Barroso- Cameron indirectly Criticize France

EU Summit meeting does not seem to start under the best prospects as first arguments regarding new measures have already emerged.

""European citizens are interested on the issues of substance and not on institutional reforms or new decision making procedures in the EU".".

Jose Ìanuel Barroso

Specifically, the British prime-minister and EU Commission president indirectly criticized the French proposal for the setting up of economic governance in the euro region, saying that Europe has no need for new institutions.

France had recently projected idea of economic governance before French President Nikola Sarkozy abandoned it mainly after Germany's insistence.

Berlin fears economic governance in euro region would create a two speed Europe and insists on a form including all 27 EU member states.

Source: ÍÅÔ News item: 37757

[02] Radical Reforms in Labour Relations/Strong Reactions

Presidential Decree brings radical reforms in labour relations with changes in sums of compensations in cases of lay offs and retirement. New regulations come to materialize provisions in the stability and growth memorandum with express procedures as the Presidential Decree was already sent to social partners in order to express their views and would be next approved by the State Council. The target is to publish it in the Government Gazette at the end of August when it comes into force. Trade Unions speak of medieval labour relations and are organizing a new general strike at the end of the month. Opposition political parties have also reacted strongly.

Trade unions-opposition parties strongly reacted

Commenting on the Presidential Decree, GSEE president Yiannis Panagooulos said it blatantly violated the Constitution, abolished all labour law rules and protection of labourers.

GCP secretary Aleka Papariga, in a press interview, launched a strong attack against the government.

"The government and its allies are literally unhesitant. They are gravediggers of any remaining labour- class conquests. They impose a life-long Dachau status", said A. Papariga and added: "Freeing lay offs, drastically reducing sum of compensation, legalizing black labour for young employees with hunger gross salary of 592⬠-net 470â¬!"

SYN president Alexis Tsipras spoke of blatant institutional diversion. He added that the President of the Republic has the responsibility to inspect and recall such decrees.

"A debate should be held in the Parliament or else it is a diversion unprecedented in the post military coup era", he said. Earlier, general secretary of Employment Ministry Robertos Spiropoulos in an interview with state radio NET 105.8 spoke of adoptions that should have been made earlier and were in force in all competitive countries. "There will be reaction of lay offs if there is growth", he added.

Developments confirm ND was right to vote against the measures, underlining it would soon make its proposals" said ND deputy Yiannis Broutsis.

Reforms

New regulations increase from 2% to 5% points lay offs in company's employing over 150 people and allow businesses employing from 20 to 150 people to lay off 6 employers a month.

Also, it reduces lay off notification time from one to four months. Compensation sum is cut down to 50% and will range from half month payment for one year employment and goes up to 12 months for 28 years work under same employer.

Source: ÍÅÔ-ÍÅÔ 105.8-ÁNA/ÌPA

News item: 37753

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