MP raises concern over expiring employment counselor contracts at DYPA İskeçe
İskeçe MP Burhan Baran has formally submitted a memorandum to Labor Minister Niki Kerameus, requesting institutional provisions for the extension of fixed-term employment counselor contracts at the İskeçe branch of Greece’s Public Employment Service.
The memorandum, prepared by contract-based employment counselors (SOX) serving at the İskeçe Local Employment Promotion Center (KPA2) of the Public Employment Service (DYPA), highlights concerns over the gradual expiration of contracts beginning in April.
Risk of Severe Staffing Shortages
According to the document, employment counselors on fixed-term contracts constitute a critical operational pillar in implementing active labor market policies, providing career guidance to unemployed individuals, connecting job seekers with businesses, and supporting the overall functioning of local employment offices.
At the KPA2 office in İskeçe, there are currently 13 contract-based SOX counselors and only 3 permanent staff members. The potential departure of contract staff would result in an estimated 80% reduction in personnel, raising concerns about the office’s capacity to serve both citizens and local businesses.
The memorandum warns that such a reduction could create a significant operational gap in the regional labor market, particularly in a regional unit such as İskeçe.
Investment in Specialized Training at Stake
The submission also notes that DYPA has invested substantially in training these counselors through a comprehensive 200-hour certified program focused on modern counseling practices, career guidance, and active employment policies.
Failure to extend the contracts, it argues, would result in the loss of already trained and certified human capital.
MP Baran has called on the Labor Ministry to take immediate action to ensure continuity of services and maintain high standards of support for unemployed individuals and businesses in the region.
The Ministry of Labor has not yet publicly commented on the request.
