Crisis or Not, Greeks Unwilling to Work the Fields

Despite the fact that Greeks are suffering from the crisis and unemployment, they are  quite selective when it comes to the professions they choose. According to a recent article by the Athens Macedonian News Agency, producers in northern Greece claim that they can’t find Greeks or foreigners to join their labor force. As they said: “The Greeks are not willing to work in the fields,” while foreigners, despite their willingness, are very expensive after the latest regulations regarding their entry, stay, and work in our country. “Greeks can’t stand working in the fields because it is hard work. The truth is that Greeks are spoiled,” said a producer from the region of Pella, northern Greece. Although the average daily wage reaches 25 euros with producers providing food and residence to the workers, due to the absence of legal labor force they are forced to employ workers without a work permit. The producers also complain that the police imposes high fines to those who employ illegal immigrants. These fines stand at 10,500 euros for each worker without a work permit. According to the Greek law a producer will have to pay 180 euros for the visa of each foreign worker, as well as about 500 euros for 2 months of insurance.

READ THE ORIGINAL POST AT greece.greekreporter.com