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Greek Migrants in Germany Exploited by Their Compatriots

greeks-germanyGreeks often leave their country, migrating to Germany in order to escape the crisis. However, they usually end up working for their compatriots, who are ruthlessly exploiting them, noted an extensive article published by the Greek newspaper “Kathimerini.”

According to Greek journalist Ioanna Fotiadis, after a series of interviews with people who recently migrated to Germany — business owners and German institutions — she came to the conclusion that low-skilled workers who leave Greece due to the crisis, are doomed to be exploited by their employers.

Thomas Tsikos moved to Germany with his wife one year ago, in search of a better future. However, only one year later he is once again living in Athens.

Upon his arrival in Germany, Tsikos was offered a job in a warehouse company but as it turned out the job offer was fake. Despite his friends’ advice to “stay away from restaurants,” he approached a restaurant owner and told him that he was willing to work for him.

Restaurants act as an antechamber for learning the local language and moving between industries, said Dr. Michael Damanakis. “Greek restaurant owners are a blessing and a curse at the same time,” he said.

In the case of Thomas Tsikou, the employer promised a salary of 1,500 euros for kitchen work. When the employee asked for a contract the restaurant owner would say “I am a man, we have made an agreement.” However, as time passed nine hours turned into 12 and 13 and when it was time to get paid, Tsikos only received 750 euros, as did his wife. After discussions the employer gave the couple an increase of 50 euros each. Tsikos’ wife was able to escape the inadequate situation first and returned to Athens, where her children were waiting for her.

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