- Hotel staff in Crete are often forced to work extra, unpaid hours;
- Digital work cards are misused to hide overtime, with managers sometimes manipulating records;
- The Heraklion Labor Center notes a growing number of complaints;
- Labor unions demand urgent government inspections and more staff for labor offices;
- “It’s unacceptable that in a season with staff shortages, workers are being treated in this way,” union representatives say.
In Crete, hotel employees have been reporting a serious issue: after officially clocking out using the required digital work cards, many are being told to return to their tasks without compensation. These workers record their departure as scheduled but then continue with extra duties that aren’t reported anywhere — or paid.
The Heraklion Labor Center has received a steady rise in complaints about this practice. Union officials explain that hotel staff are asked to clock out at the end of their scheduled hours, but in reality, “After clocking out, we are expected to keep working,” as several workers shared. This results in thousands of unpaid hours that go unrecognized by both employers and the system.
Managers Manipulate Records as Labor Shortages Worsen
An even more concerning development has surfaced: in some hotels, it isn’t the workers clocking themselves in and out, but managerial staff who control when shifts appear to start and end in official logs. This further conceals the true number of hours worked and hides unpaid overtime.
Union leaders call this tactic “outrageous and scandalous.” A representative stated, “It’s scandalous that digital work cards, instead of ensuring fairness, are used in such a way that most overtime is neither recorded nor paid.” Such manipulation comes at a time when the tourism sector in Crete is already suffering from a shortage of experienced employees.
Labor unions argue that conditions like these not only deter new talent but also drive seasoned staff to leave the industry entirely. They stress that “Instead of attracting new workers to hotels and tourism, we’re seeing a mass exit, even among experienced staff,” emphasizing the negative impact on both the sector and the visitor experience.
Unions are calling for immediate action, urging the responsible ministries to boost labor office staff and establish regular, strict inspections. They emphasize the importance of protecting workers and rebuilding trust in the tourism industry, particularly as Greece welcomes visitors from around the world.
Without serious intervention, labor leaders warn that Crete’s hotels risk losing the very employees who keep tourism running: “We’re losing valuable workers under the pressure of these illegal practices tied to unpaid hours,” unionists stress.
Visitors should be aware of these realities, as the welfare of workers shapes the quality and spirit of the hospitality industry across Crete.
Κρήτη: Χτυπούν κάρτα και… ξαναπιάνουν δουλειά – Χιλιάδες απλήρωτες ώρες εργασίας στον τουρισμό
