Staff-in-cooler claim to be investigated
Employment Minister Fani Palli-Petralia yesterday asked Supreme Court prosecutor Giorgos Sanidas to order an investigation into allegations that the owners of a canning firm in Naousa, northern Greece, locked menial staff in large walk-in refrigerators during a visit by state labor inspectors. According to a local labor union, several workers, including cleaners, were hidden in coolers during the visit as they were allegedly employed illegally. It was unclear yesterday when the visit took place but staff are alleged to have been kept hidden in the refrigerators, at a temperature of 3 degrees Celsius (37 Fahrenheit), for nearly two hours. Palli-Petralia asked Sanidas to determine whether any company officials should face criminal charges. The company has reportedly refused to comment on the allegations.
