Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 2024, published 113rd ILC session (2025)

Human Resources Development Convention, 1975 (No. 142) - Greece (Ratification: 1989)

The Committee notes the observations of the Greek General Confederation of Labour (GSEE), received on 1 September 2023, as well as the Government’s response, received on 16 November 2023. It also notes the observations of the Hellenic Federation of Enterprises and Industries (SEV), received on 1 September 2023 and asks the Government to communicate its response thereto.

Article 5 of the Convention. Cooperation with employers’ and workers’ organizations. The Committee notes the Government’s indication that, with regard to the cooperation of the social partners in the formulation and implementation of policies and programmes for guidance and vocational training, their role is considered very important for the creation of effective vocational education and training schemes. In its observations, the GSEE expresses concern with respect to the restructuring of the Manpower Employment Organization (OAED) into the Public Employment Service (DYPA), highlighting that the DYPA lacks the ability to effectively intervene in the labour market due to limited social partner participation. It adds that, while the creation of the Special Account for Vocational Training (ELEK) is positive, legal limitations on its management and operation by the social partners undermine its autonomy. In response to the GSEE’s observations, the Government indicates that, with regard to the composition of the DYPA Board of Directors and the reduced number of social partners’ representatives, the change resulted from the overall decrease in the number of Board members (from 18 to 11) to achieve greater flexibility. Moreover, under Law No. 4921/2022, the Council of Social Partners was established, a collective body with significant advisory capacity towards the Management Board of DYPA on issues that include the ELEK. The Government further indicates that the Law No. 4921/2022 provides that the management of ELEK funds will be transferred to a new legal entity governed by private law, which will be established by the social partners themselves. In its observations, the SEV indicates that work-based learning, in the form of apprenticeships or internships, should be strengthened at all levels of initial vocational education and training. It adds that delays in finalising the organisational framework regarding vocational upper secondary schools’ internships, as well as the lack of information and substantial cooperation with businesses on this matter deprive enterprises of the opportunity to express their needs and discourage them from actively participating in the process. The SEV also refers to the reestablishment of the technology sector within the tertiary education system, according to Law No. 4957/2022, adding, however, that it has not yet been activated. The SEV further indicates that, in this context, it is essential that social partners are actively involved in the selection of specialties, as well as in the design of curricula. In addition, the Committee notes that, according to the OECD (2020), Greece was facing several challenges in developing human resources policies. Unemployment rates are high, particularly among women, youth, and older workers. Additionally, labour informality is significant and there is an important skills mismatch, requiring alignment of workers’ competencies with labour market demands. In view of the above, the Committee requests the Government to provide further and updated information on the cooperation with employers’ and workers’ organizations and other interested bodies in the formulation and implementation of vocational guidance and vocational training policies and programmes. The Committee further requests the Government to indicate the impact and outcome of this cooperation. It also requests the Government to describe any existing or new formal procedures or consultative machinery instituted for this purpose, including the body that will manage ELEK funds.