Hourly paid government workers accept new collective agreement

On October 7, 2026, a joint assembly of 300 representatives from three major trade unions—SEK, PEO, and DEOK—voted to accept a government proposal regarding the renewal of the collective labor agreement for hourly paid government staff. The agreement covers the years 2025 through 2027 and includes general salary increases of 3.5 percent over the three-year period. Specifically, employees will receive a 2 percent increase retroactive to October 1, 2026, followed by a 1.5 percent increase starting January 1, 2027. The deal also establishes a guaranteed minimum increase of 72 euros and includes provisions to ensure that lower-paid workers receive proportionally higher benefits, as well as secondary perks like medical care not covered by the national health system (Gesy).

The decision followed 18 months of negotiations and the personal intervention of President Nikos Christodoulides, who met with union leaders on September 28. The vote concluded with a significant majority in favor, recording 276 votes in favor, 19 against, and 5 abstentions. By accepting this proposal, the trade unions have formally called off potential industrial action. The unions are expected to notify the Ministry of Finance and the President of the Republic in writing to finalize the implementation of the new terms.