Some Greeks Might Have to Pay for Their Jobs

Some Greeks Might Have to Pay for Their Jobs

February 22, 2012

The Atlantic Wire - It's being called the "negative salary": Due to austerity measures in Greece, it's being reported that up to 64,000 Greeks will go without pay this month, and some will have to pay for having a job.

Numbers in austerity reports have usually reflected figures in the millions, since they reflect industry-wide cuts (i.e. a 537-million euro cut to health and pension funds). And plans of cutting minimum wage by up to 32% is all but a given in the country.

Today's "negative salary" deal—which could have government employees returning funds— reveals the real human impact of the austerity measures.

RELATED: Greek Parliament Passes Austerity Bill Despite Clashes

As Zero Hedge and the Press Project report:

Salary cutbacks (called "unified payroll") for contract workers at the public sector set to be finalized today. Cuts to be valid retroactively since November 2011. Expected result: Up to 64.000 people will work without salary this month, or even be asked to return money. Amongst them 21.000 teachers, 13.000 municipal employees and 30.000 civil servants.