Greece finds itself grappling with a series of pressing economic and social challenges, as rising living costs, labor disputes, and urgent humanitarian needs converge. This winter, families are bracing for increased expenditures, especially during the festive season, and the workforce is struggling with job security and harsh working conditions, particularly at multinational companies like Teleperformance.
According to the Institute of Commerce and Services of the Hellenic Confederation of Commerce and Entrepreneurship (IN.EM.Y.-ESEE), the average cost of a traditional Greek Christmas dinner for six to eight people is projected to soar between €107.54 and €148.89, representing a 4.3% to 5.8% increase from last year. The report encompassed data analysis from supermarkets and specialized food vendors, noting price variations spurred by product quality and sourcing.
These hikes come as no surprise to many Greeks, who have been feeling the weight of inflation. The rising costs have necessitated budget adjustments for families during what is traditionally considered the season of festivities. While consumers can expect stores open for shopping this upcoming Sunday, they will remain closed on Christmas Day and December 26, exacerbated by the looming financial strain on households.
Meanwhile, the labor condition at companies like Teleperformance has attracted significant attention. An alarming report surfaced detailing employee layoffs and grievances over workplace policies. Níkos Spyrélis, president of the Teleperformance Employees' Union, stated to Deutsche Welle, "We are witnessing the scale of employer attacks against our members,’’ referencing the dismissal of entire boards at the company’s branches across Greece, including the Chania branch.
Teleperformance, which operates globally and specializes in call center services, is currently facing scrutiny over its treatment of employees. The company employs over 12,500 workers in Greece, with many being foreigners. Reports suggest poor working conditions, where employees are treated like mere numbers and suffer immense pressure to meet unrealistic performance targets. Individuals shared accounts of panic attacks and workplace stress linked to overwhelming demands.
One employee revealed the absurdity of the workplace, recalling instances where the privilege of using the restroom required prior permission. Such tales, alongside the significant turnover and employment insecurity, spotlight the troubling aspects of job provision at Teleperformance.
Adding to the complexity, around half of Greece's Teleperformance workers are foreigners, mostly from non-EU countries, who often arrive with promises of employment only to find differently once they begin work. Many were reportedly misled about living conditions and their rights, facing deductions from their salaries even for mandatory housing.
The economic struggles are compounded by rising migration flows. Greece is grappling with what charities have called a “children’s emergency,” as the nation sees increasing numbers of unaccompanied minors arriving from conflict regions. According to the UN Refugee Agency, more than 13,000 unaccompanied children reached Greece's shores from Libya to Crete, doubling the figures compared to the previous year.
Sofia Kouvelaki, director of the Home Project, voiced concern over the dire situation facing these children: “What we are witnessing amounts to a children’s emergency of the kind we haven’t witnessed in years.” Most concerning, reports indicate the absence of safe zones and shelters equipped to accommodate the growing influx, leaving many minors vulnerable to risks amid crowded and unsafe conditions.
The Greek government has acknowledged these rising challenges, influenced by geopolitical unrest and severe climate impacts. Migration Minister Nikos Panagiotopoulos projected continued pressure on migration routes as the nation braces itself for another increase in refugee arrivals next year.
Tragically, many of these children, arriving without guardians, share harrowing experiences. Reports of violence, inadequate living conditions, and insufficient services have led NGOs to urge urgent humanitarian measures to safeguard these vulnerable groups.
An incident at the Malakasa refugee camp recently drew attention, where aggression led to the assault of refugee minors—prompting outrage and highlighting the dire need for immediate protection measures. Various organizations, including Save the Children, have raised alarm over the inadequacies of Greece’s reception system, arguing for decisive action to protect the children seeking asylum.
Calls for reform echo throughout the nation, with labor unions voicing the necessity for improved conditions for workers across sectors and humanitarian groups emphasizing the unacceptability of leaving vulnerable children without support. Both groups point to the underlying issues within Greek society—issues stemming from financial struggles, systemic failings, and the need for substantial reform.
This confluence of economic pressure, labor disputes, and refugee crises paints a difficult portrait of contemporary Greece, where the holiday spirit may be overshadowed by increasing costs and pressing humanitarian concerns. The nation stands at a crossroad, facing demands for heightened compassion and attention toward its most vulnerable communities, be they workers or refugee children.
