Stuck in the Middle: How Hospitality Workers in Greece View Working Conditions
Authors: Giousmpasoglou, C.
Publication Date: 10/07/2026
Publisher: hospitalitynet.org
Abstract:This practitioner-focused article summarises the findings of a national survey of 451 hospitality workers in Greece, examining working conditions through the five Fair Work principles: pay, contracts, working conditions, management, and representation. The article argues that while formal employment standards often exist, they are inconsistently implemented in practice, leaving many workers "stuck in the middle" between legal compliance and genuine fairness. It highlights key challenges including low pay, unpaid overtime, demanding seasonal work, limited employee voice, and uneven management practices, while discussing the implications for labour shortages, employee retention, and the long-term sustainability of the Greek hospitality industry.
Source: Manual