Kinofelis (“Of Common Benefit”)

Defining principles

Direct employment is the best way to reintegrate unemployed, especially long-term unemployed, people into the labor market and reduce social exclusion (2). Public employment that promotes the common good is beneficial for the employee, their household, and the community.

Rationale

This program was implemented in response to the high unemployment rate in Greece during the Global Financial Crisis. The program can contribute to local development and to the enhancement of workers’ lives and skillsets.

Number of participants

45,000 total participants (in 2018) (5). Reached 200,000 over the 2015-2018 period (6).

Criteria for participation

The long-term unemployed, those who did not receive unemployment benefits (youth under 30, the unemployed over 55, single parent families, university graduates, and unemployed farmers were prioritized) in 17 municipalities (8).

Person-days of employment

Five months of employment in Phases One and Two (2011-2013, 2013-2015), and eight months of employment in Phase 3 (2016-2020) (7).

Pay and benefits

Minimum wage (EUR 780/month as of April 2023), full health benefits, maternity leave, and contributions to a retirement plan (9)(10).

Financing

Greek National Budget expenditure through the Ministry of Labor of EUR 68 million. European Social Fund co-financing EUR 240 million. Total budget of EUR 308 million (11).

Implementation

Municipalities would apply for funding for projects which were meant to meet pressing public needs. These projects would be nationally funded and locally administered (12). The Ministry of Labor pays labor costs and municipalities supply tools and materials (13). See the implementation manual for more details (14).

Types of work

“1. Culture, sports 2. Environment, public sanitation 3. Administrative services 4. Actions of economic development 5. Constructions, repairs, renovations 6. Health, welfare, and social services,” (15).

Notable features

Beginning in 2016, participants could receive optional IT training (16). Participants report improved mental health, social engagement, and self-esteem (17).

Challenges

The ILO Implementation manual outlines a variety of recommendations including improved advertising and branding, introducing letters of recommendation for exiting participants, and partnering with organizations and trade unions to further improve outgoing participants’ employment opportunities (18).