The General Confederation of Greek Workers (GSEE) and the Friedrich Ebert Stiftung (FES) unveiled Greece’s first comprehensive report on sexual harassment in the workplace, revealing that 31.4% of employees have experienced such incidents.
The findings, presented at an event held at the Journalists’ Union of Athens Daily Newspapers, indicate that Greece’s trends align closely with those of the European Union.
Key Findings on Workplace Sexual Harassment
A significant 31.4% of employees reported experiencing workplace sexual harassment, with women constituting 75.3% of the victims. Despite the prevalence of this issue, a mere 1.6% of victims file complaints with authorities.
The main reasons for this underreporting include distrust in authorities (27.2%) and a belief that no meaningful action will result (51.1%). Alarmingly, only 3.1% of workplaces have collective agreements that address sexual harassment.
A 2023 survey by the European Union Agency for Fundamental Rights (FRA) provides additional context, showing that 32% of victims across the EU identified the perpetrator as a superior, colleague, or customer. This highlights the complex dynamics of power and economic dependency, which can further discourage victims from coming forward.
Challenges for Victims and the Role of Unions
The GSEE-FES report underscores the lack of formalized support mechanisms which leave victims without adequate protection. According to the survey, 78.9% of respondents believe unions must advocate for robust workplace policies to combat harassment.
However, the report also notes that institutional frameworks such as social dialogue structures have stalled. This stagnation undermines progress on critical issues like gender equality and worker protections.
Urgent Need for Action to Break the Silence
The GSEE-FES report underscores the urgent need for action to address workplace sexual harassment effectively. It calls for the establishment of improved reporting channels that ensure confidentiality and build trust, encouraging victims to come forward. The report also highlights the critical role of unions in advocating for collective agreements that include robust anti-harassment provisions. Furthermore, it emphasizes the importance of comprehensive legislation to strengthen the existing legal framework, providing greater protection for victims and deterring potential perpetrators. The full report, which includes detailed policy recommendations and statistical analyses, is available in Greek on the GSEE website.
