Labour inspections have intensified across Greece this summer, with the Independent Authority for Labour Inspection reporting €25.6 million in administrative fines imposed during the first half of 2026. The authority has ramped up its oversight activities — particularly in workplaces operating during the peak tourist and seasonal period — deploying modern digital tools to monitor compliance with labour laws.
Focus Areas of Inspection
Inspectors are prioritising several key areas: adherence to working hours regulations; combating undeclared employment; implementation of the Digital Employment Card; and safeguarding workers’ health and safety. These efforts form part of a broader operational plan designed to target high-risk sectors and vulnerable employment relationships.
Numbers at a Glance: 2026’s First Half
From January to June 2026, inspectors carried out 41,486 checks nationwide. Of these, 8,690 violations were identified, leading to corresponding sanctions. The total amount of fines reached €25,572,413.
Breakdown by inspectorate:
- Labour Relations Inspectors conducted 23,636 inspections, resulting in 6,227 sanctions and €21,324,160 in fines.
- Health and Safety Inspectors performed 14,434 inspections, issuing 2,067 sanctions and imposing €2,690,584 in fines.
- Specialised Inspectors carried out 3,416 inspections, with 396 sanctions and €1,557,669 in penalties.
Targeted Sectors and Locations
The inspection strategy prioritises businesses and economic sectors with historically high non-compliance risks — especially those not inspected in the past three years or previously found in violation. Seasonal enterprises, such as those in tourism and agriculture, are also under heightened scrutiny.
Additional focus is placed on sectors employing posted workers or third-country nationals, including food delivery services (particularly motorcycle couriers), wholesale trade (excluding motor vehicle and motorcycle retail), construction sites, and regions where underage employment or labour exploitation risks are elevated.
A Long-Term Trend
The rise in inspections reflects a sustained upward trajectory over recent years: 65,286 checks in 2022; 74,031 in 2023; 79,290 in 2024; and 82,233 in 2025. The 41,486 inspections completed in just six months of 2026 suggest that the annual total may surpass previous records — underscoring the authority’s growing capacity and enforcement resolve.