MPs rush to prepare law for remote work

Deputies were on Tuesday trying to rush through a bill to regulate remote work in the private sector, hoping to have it voted into law before parliament goes into recess on July 13.

MPs at House labour committee were discussing a framework to regulate the rights and obligations for employees and employers alike, including working hours, health and safety, career development and labour satisfaction.

The bill seeks to introduce penalties for those who violate the law, while including mandatory provisions for remote work under certain circumstances, as well as forbidding any form of discrimination for those who work remotely.

The legal framework is different than one discussed at cabinet level for government workers.

Labour Minister Yiannis Panayiotou expressed his optimism that the law could be passed within the next few weeks.

“We need to utilise the possibilities offered by technology in a way that is functional, balanced and practical.”

Asked if remote workers will receive a stipend for working from home, he said the law does have a provision that allows for this, set to be announced through ministerial decree at a later date.

Currently, the figure is at €28 per month in Greece, he specified. This is adjusted depending on the days worked remotely.

Panayiotou stressed steps must also be taken so this does not affect people’s social life, nor that it bears any negative consequences to women for being physically absent from the office.

“There will be a financial benefit for employees who will be paying lower fuel costs for their commute. There will also be a lower cost for businesses, who can utilise smaller premises.”

Additionally, roads will also have less traffic, Panayiotou added.