An increase in intensity of earthquakes in the wider sea area of Santorini prompted the Greek Labour Ministry on Tuesday to announce emergency support measures to safeguard jobs and businesses on the island.
The emergency measures allow Santorini employers to suspend employee contracts while subsidizing affected workers with “Special Purpose Compensation”. Employees whose contracts are paused will receive a 534-euro lump sum for 30 days of employment, the ministry said. Insurance coverage based on salary remains intact and compensation is tax deductible.
The decision comes after the Greek General Secretariat for Civil Protection declared a state of emergency for the Municipality of Thira due to ongoing earthquake activity allowing for fast-track decisions, including the reconstruction of essential infrastructure such as airports, ports, and roads. Tuesday’s measures aim to mitigate the economic impact of the quakes, particularly on the island’s tourism sector.
Key emergency measures announced for Santorini
Business owners can pause employee contracts from February 1 to March 3, 2025, applicable to those hired until January 31, 2025.
Employers must submit their decision to the Labor Ministry’s Ergani system and notify employees. Entrepreneurs implementing the measure cannot proceed with layoffs and must maintain the same number of job positions for an equal period after the suspension ends.
Affected workers must register on the designated electronic platform for special employee support to receive compensation.
The Greek Labor Ministry’s move aims to cushion the economic blow of the ongoing quake activity which has forced businesses on Santorini to close down.
Meanwhile, tourism stakeholders on Santorini are concerned about the impact of expert predications for prolonged seismic activity through to Easter. On Monday, Greek Tourism Minister Olga Kefalogianni held a meeting with hoteliers and the Greek National Tourism Organization (GNTO) to formulate a new promotional strategy ahead of the upcoming tourism season and in view of the situation.
