Parliament: The appointment of George Tzilivakis to the post of Labor Inspector Commander approved

The activation of the new Independent Authority “Labor Inspection” in conjunction with the launch of the Digital Work Card from July 1, are two institutional interventions of major importance that are combined with each other and create a strong network of protection of workers’ rights, with emphasis on combating undeclared and undeclared work. This message was sent by the Minister of Labor and Social Affairs, Kostis Hatzidakis, speaking today to the Institutions and Transparency Committee of the Parliament, at the hearing for the approval of the appointment of Mr. George Tzilivakis proposed by Mr. Hatzidakis for the position of Labor Inspector.

According to the Minister, with the approval of the appointment of Mr. Tzilivakis, the process for the start of operation of the new Independent Administrative Authority “Labor Inspection” is completed, which will have increased guarantees of objectivity and impartiality in the exercise of its audit responsibilities. The Authority’s predecessor was the Labor Inspectorate (SEPE), which in recent years has tried to control labor market delinquency, but its work has been overshadowed by “whispers”, justified or unjustified, about interventions by the executive. SEPE is a “long arm” of the current minister or secretary general are eliminated, as there are increased guarantees of independence in Law 4808/2021. Also, the new Governor together with the Board of Directors will proceed to all those changes provided by law and that “will lead to a truly independent Authority, with the necessary modernization of its administrative structures so that the controls are more effective”, stressed Mr. Hatzidakis.

He highlighted the synergies that will result from the upgrade of SEPE and the implementation of the Digital Work Card to address the chronic problem of undeclared and undeclared work, noting: “The Digital Work Card will be extremely effective and we are proud because we are the It is the first EU country to adopt such methods. It is a mechanism without any ideological color, but a strong social sign. And we will not only go to the big, but also to the medium and small companies. , we are absolutely clear! ”

The Minister of Labor and Social Affairs also underlined the political contradiction to which the opposition repeatedly falls, not only questioning the government’s objectivity in the SEPE controls, but also opposing the changes brought by the upgrade of the SEPE to an Independent which prevents any unlawful interference. “You are rejecting an initiative that shields controls in the labor market, while defending the previous system that gave much greater opportunities for political intervention. Your positions are a great political sponsorship for the government,” he said, addressing SYRIZA MPs.

Finally, referring to the manner of selection of Mr. Tzilivakis and his qualifications, Mr. Hatzidakis underlined that the procedure provided by law was followed, with the pre-selection of the four leading candidates by a five-member Committee headed by the president of ASEP, two of the four by the Board of Directors of the Labor Inspectorate – which has already been approved by the Parliamentary Committee on Institutions and Transparency – and a final selection by the Minister of Labor and Social Affairs.

“I suggested Mr. Tzilivakis, taking into account his legal education, his long experience in managing large groups of large companies and his experience in handling issues related to employment relations within companies during his 30-year career. He is very familiar with the subject. “I am called to handle. I am sure that he will honor the trust of me and the Board of Directors and that due to his experience and ethics he will succeed in his duties”, concluded Mr. Hatzidakis.