- Hotel and hospitality workers in Chania will join a nationwide strike on June 24.
- Demonstration scheduled outside the Chania DYPA office at 10 a.m.
- Workers seek stronger labor protections and better working conditions.
- Seasonal employment benefits are among the key demands.
- The action comes during one of the busiest periods of the tourism season.
- Crete’s tourism sector continues to face staffing challenges.
The Chania Hotel Employees’ Union has called on workers throughout the tourism and hospitality sector to participate in a nationwide strike on June 24, joining actions organized by the federation representing tourism and food-service employees across Greece.
The demonstration is scheduled for 10 a.m. outside the DYPA offices in Chania.
The strike arrives at a particularly sensitive moment for the tourism industry. With accommodation providers reporting strong demand and many businesses already operating at full capacity, even a short disruption could place additional pressure on hotels, restaurants, and tourism services during the peak season.
Workers Say Tourism Depends on Its Workforce
In announcing the strike, union representatives argued that tourism’s success relies on employees whose rights and working conditions must be protected.
“The tourism sector does not function without workers,” the union said in its call for participation.
The organization urged employees to support collective action aimed at improving pay, enforcing labor protections, and ensuring safer and more humane working conditions throughout the industry.
According to the union, workers continue to face challenges despite tourism’s strong economic performance and the growing number of visitors arriving each year.
Key Demands Focus on Seasonal Workers
Many of the demands center on the realities faced by seasonal employees, who make up a large portion of Crete’s tourism workforce.
Among the measures being sought are:
- Longer unemployment benefits for seasonal workers
- Abolition of the prepaid payment card system
- A tax-free income threshold of €12,000
- Exemption of unemployment benefits from taxation
- Restoration of lump-sum retirement benefits after 20 years of work
- Reinstatement of hazardous and arduous occupation classifications
- Stronger workplace inspections
- Improved working conditions
- Full implementation of the digital work card system
- Strict enforcement of local collective labor agreements
- Greater respect for tourism workers
Union leaders argue that these measures would provide greater stability for employees who often work long hours during a relatively short tourism season before facing months of reduced income or unemployment.