The Ministry of Social Affairs expresses its categorical disagreement with two of the key proposals set to be reviewed by the National Council for Tripartite Cooperation (NCTC). One of the controversial ideas concerns fixed-term contracts for women on maternity leave — it is proposed that these be automatically extended until the maternity leave period ends. Another initiative that the department opposes concerns the easing of regulations for hiring minors between the ages of 16 and 18.
Lawmakers propose that employers should only be required to notify the Labor Inspectorate (GLI) instead of waiting for special authorization, as is currently mandated. However, the ministry warns that this poses a risk of children being placed in unsuitable work environments. To support their concerns, they point out that since the beginning of the calendar year, the GLI has already issued 80 refusals to employers seeking to hire minors.
Also on the NCTC agenda is the government's proposal to update the poverty line. An increase of 13.4% is planned, which will change the amount from the current 390 euros to 443 euros. The new planned value is set to take effect on January 1, 2027.