Digital Working Card: 1.5 million employees under the new scheme

It seems to have a satisfactory course so far, which is evidenced by the increase in the reported amounts in relation to previous years in those sectors already included in it. And one of the most typical examples is the case of supermarkets. On the basis of information from the Information System “ERGANI”, there was an increase in declared overtime in supermarkets, as, from the start of the implementation of the Digital Work Card until the end of 2023, there was a cumulative increase of +61.2%. Already, 73,000 companies, with 750,000 bank workers, large supermarkets, insurance companies, security companies (Security), IKO, industry and retail, are fully implementing the Digital Labour Card, while, a few days ago, its use was extended to a pilot phase initially in the tourism and food sectors, to be fully implemented from 1 March 2025. Thus, around 1,500 000 workers in the larger branches of the domestic economy are now expected to “beat” the Digital Card at turnout and when they leave their workplace, precisely recording their physical presence time there, with the ultimate aim of gradually extending the measure to all businesses in the country. Moreover, businesses active in the tourism and food sectors (e.g. hotels, accommodation, rooms for rent, camping and catering) must use the adjustment period to harmonise themselves with the new data and install the necessary technological equipment, which is essentially a tablet. For its part, the Ministry of Labour states that dialogue with social actors will be open and lasting, just as it has been with the other sectors of professional activity which have already been integrated into the Digital Labour Card. Meanwhile, during the period between March 1 and March, the Ministry intends to implement web seminars, as well as information actions in many parts of Greece, in cooperation with workers and employers representatives, in order to fully inform about the proper implementation of the Digital Labour Card and to resolve technical issues where these arise. According to the Ministry of Labour, the Digital Labour Card is the best guarantee of respect for the hour, as the interests of workers are guaranteed by the full recording of actual working hours and full earnings for each working hour. At the same time, the framework for transparent and effective controls is created, protected from unfair competition by undertakings that respect legislation against those who apply practices of undeclared or implied work and ensure the income of the insurance system from contributions. How to ensure the implementation of the measure With a view to the faithful application of the measure by undertakings, the Labour Inspectorate is constantly carrying out intensive checks, including the marking of the Workers’ Digital Card. Under current legislation, if, in the course of the audit, it is found that the worker has started his employment in the premises of his employer, without being marked by the Digital Labour Card, significant administrative fines and penalties are imposed by the Labour Inspectors, amounting to EUR 10,500 for each uncorrected worker. The same will happen if it is found that the worker has a ‘no’ label on his Digital Card, which allegedly states that he is leaving the company, while, in fact, he is still working, carrying out undeclared overtime. For example, the Labour Inspectorate in the field of industrial relations confirmed 211 infringements concerning the Digital Labour Card in August 2024 and fined EUR 445,800,00, while, in the eight months of January-August 2024, 1,469 infringements involving the incorrect application of the Digital Labour Card were detected, with a total amount of EUR 3,752,690.00. Victory Kerameos at APR-APM: The aim is to protect employees Speaking to the APE, Labour and Social Security Minister Niki Kerameos states that the Digital Labour Card aims to protect workers, as it promotes transparent working relationships, since it records real working hours, combats the phenomena of undeclared and implied work and protects healthy businesses. As the minister points out, last July, the Digital Labour Card measure was fully implemented in focus and retail. Now, we have extended its implementation to the tourism and focus sectors piloted. “Our aim is to join this network of protection of all branches and therefore all workers,” Mrs Kerameos says.