Deal will benefit all sides
Representatives of SEV, the Federation of Greek Industries, will today meet with unionists of the General Confederation of Greek Labor, or GSEE. The objective is to sign a new collective labor agreement. The talks are expected to be held in a relatively positive atmosphere and there seems good reason to hope that, this time, or at least at the next meeting, the two sides will reach an agreement and workers will secure wage increases that will make up for rising prices. Employers have agreed to offer a gradual rise of 10.5 percent over the next couple of years, while the umbrella labor union is demanding a 12 percent increase. The margin is rather slim and as a result the anticipated settlement should allow workers to safeguard their incomes. Business owners are also expected to benefit from the deal that will allow companies to operate without problems. Finally, it will be good for the national economy as economic progress can only be achieved within a context of social peace.
