The Challenge of Well-Paid Positions in the Greek Labor Market
The Greek labor market continues to face a significant shortage of well-paid positions despite progress in reducing unemployment and poverty wages. While there has been an increase in the number of employees over the years, the top of the salary pyramid remains unchanged.
Statistics on Salary Distribution
Official data from the “Ergani” system reveals that in 2013, only 20% of workers in the private sector earned a gross salary of more than 1,500 euros. Fast forward to 2023, and this percentage has dropped to 18.9%, despite an increase of over 900,000 employees. This means that out of 2.3 million workers, only 433,077 now earn more than €1,500.
This salary threshold not only excludes individuals from many social benefits but also limits their take-home pay to €1,148 after taxes and social security contributions.
Challenges Ahead
Increasing wages and creating more well-paid positions remains a challenge in the Greek labor market. While efforts have been made to reduce unemployment and poverty wages, more needs to be done to address the disparity in salary distribution and provide opportunities for higher earnings.
The Activation of Economically Inactive Population and Import of Workers as Solutions to Inflation
The government is proposing a strategy to tackle inflation and boost national income by encouraging the economically inactive population to enter the workforce and by importing workers from other countries.
By activating the economically inactive population, the government aims to increase productivity and fill labor shortages in various sectors. This will not only lead to a decrease in unemployment rates but also contribute to the overall economic growth of the country.
Furthermore, importing workers from abroad can help meet the demand for skilled labor in specific industries. This can lead to innovation, diversification, and expansion of businesses, ultimately leading to higher national income.
Overall, the government believes that these measures will help stimulate the economy, reduce inflation, and increase the overall prosperity of the nation.
