Greece’s creditors (EC, ECB, ESM, IMF) are heading to the country on Wednesday evening following the Ministry of Labor’s submission of proposals through to 2019 (another study for Greece until 2060 is still outstanding). Labor Minister George Katrougalos underlined that negotiations will be tough before the new bill for social security can be tabled and voted on as soon as possible, hopefully within February.

Doctors announced strike action on January 28 and 29 to express their opposition to the new reforms, whereas a protest rally organized by the Workers Militant Front is taking place at Omonia Square on Tuesday afternoon. Security organizations are planning a protest for February 5, whereas automotive industry employees are also planning mobilizations.

The government’s proposals for social security:

A. New professionals

1) For the first five years of practising their profession they will contribute 80% of the wage of unskilled workers, ie. 468 euros instead of 586 euros that comes to 93.7 euros + health contribution (32.58 euros per month) amounting to a total of 126.2 euros

2) For the first two years they will contribute 14% instead of 20%.

3) For the next three years they will contribute at 17% instead of 20%.

B. Unemployed

1) Exemption from paying social security contributions.

2) Financial support via a special fund held by the Manpower Employment Organization (OAED)

C. Workers with receipt blocks

Contribution of 6% instead of 20%, the rest of the amount (14%) to be paid by the employer.