Greece has declared a state of emergency on Santorini as the island faces ongoing earthquakes, with tremors reaching up to 5.3 in magnitude. In response, the government has introduced temporary measures to protect workers and businesses, including compensation and job retention initiatives.
Greece has introduced temporary support measures for workers on the island of Santorini following a series of earthquakes that have rattled the popular tourism destination for over a week.
Since February 1, the Aegean Sea off Santorini has experienced thousands of tremors, with magnitudes reaching up to 5.3. As a result, authorities have declared a state of emergency on the island, which will remain in effect for at least a month.
In response, Greek authorities have closed schools across Santorini and neighboring islands, deploying rescue teams and the army to assist with ongoing efforts. Over 11,000 people, including many seasonal workers, have evacuated the area.
To mitigate the impact on the island's tourism-dependent economy, Greece's labor ministry has announced measures to protect workers and businesses. Under these provisions, businesses are allowed to suspend worker contracts until March 3, but layoffs are prohibited. At the end of this period, businesses must restore the same number of jobs as before the suspension. Workers whose contracts are suspended will receive state compensation of up to 534 euros for a 30-day period.
However, the union representing food and tourism workers, POEET, has voiced concerns about the lack of protection for many employees. The union criticized the inconsistent decisions made by businesses regarding operations, leaving many workers without income or insurance coverage during this uncertain period.
Santorini, with a population of approximately 20,000, is a major European tourist destination, attracting more than 3 million visitors annually, drawn by its stunning views and famous sunsets. The island, formed by a volcanic eruption in 1600 BC, is now grappling with the effects of seismic activity. Experts say the current series of earthquakes, though unrelated to volcanic activity, are unprecedented in the region and may continue for weeks. Scientists have also cautioned that a larger tremor could still occur.
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