The arrest of a labour inspector, which followed a complaint by Zoe Konstantopoulou, has caused a backlash, with his colleagues taking a public stance via a statement. Labour Inspectorate employees have condemned the incident, stressing that they will not succumb to pressure or intimidation.
The incident occurred on Thursday, April 23, during a procedure to resolve a labour dispute between a former worker and the Eleftherias Plevisi Liberty Party. The inspector who was arrested was in charge of handling the case that day.
In a statement, the Employees’ Association of the Labour Inspectorate speaks of an unprecedented and unacceptable event, which unfolded at the competent department of the Eastern Sector of Athens, during the prescribed procedure.
Workers make it clear that they will not accept the criminalization of their work, stressing that the defense of labor rights cannot be done under fear or threats.
At the same time, they make specific demands, asking that no prosecutions be brought against their colleague, but also that the protection of labour inspectors be institutionally strengthened, so that they can carry out their work without interference. They also call on the administration of the service and the competent ministry to take initiatives to avoid similar incidents in the future, noting that the current framework does not provide adequate coverage and intensifies the insecurity of workers.
See the statement issued by the Labour Inspection Workers
