“Erminio”: Emergency measures for private sector employees

The Ministry of Labour and Social Security announced emergency measures for today to protect private sector employees from the extreme weather conditions caused by storm “Erminio”. Following the announcement by the Hellenic National Meteorological Service (HNMS) regarding the severe weather expected on Wednesday, April 1, 2026, and after a meeting with the General Secretariat for Civil Protection of the Ministry of Climate Crisis and Civil Protection, the Ministry of Labour and Social Security issued a circular (dated 1.4.2026) implementing emergency measures for private sector workers.

A. Mandatory suspension of outdoor work activities

For employees of businesses located in areas where, according to the updated Emergency Weather Warning Bulletin issued by the Hellenic National Meteorological Service, extreme weather conditions are expected—specifically in the regions of Attica, Central Greece, Thessaly (including the Sporades), the Peloponnese, the South Aegean, as well as the regional units of Imathia and Pieria—a mandatory suspension of work will apply on Wednesday, April 1, 2026, from 18:00 to 22:00.

This applies to manual outdoor work such as technical and construction projects, building sites, ship repair zones, as well as delivery and transportation of products using two-wheeled vehicles, scooters, roller skates (delivery services), etc. It is noted that this mandatory suspension applies to all employees regardless of their employment type, including those working through digital platforms under Article 68 of Law 4808/2021.

According to the announcement, the suspension does not apply to economic activities related to critical and socially essential infrastructure in sectors such as health, transport, and utilities (e.g. healthcare facilities, water supply, electricity, air transport, handling services, maritime, land and rail transport), provided that all necessary measures are taken to ensure the health and safety of employees, including the provision of appropriate personal protective equipment, in accordance with current legislation.

In case of non-compliance with these obligations, a fine of €2,000 per employee will be imposed by the Labour Inspectorate, in accordance with Articles 23 and 24 of Law 3996/2011.

B. Implementation of remote work (teleworking)

To protect employees in areas expected to be particularly affected, the Ministry of Labour and Social Security recommends that private businesses implement remote work wherever it is operationally feasible.

C. Emergency measures regarding working hours

For the implementation of this circular and to facilitate employees in case of changes to their working hours (arrival and departure), employers in the affected areas may refrain from pre-declaring any changes in working time arrangements in the “ERGANI” Information System.