E/C.12/GRC/CO/2 Just and favourable conditions of work 17. The Committee takes note of the explanation provided by the State party on the guarantees in place against the practice of replacing fixed-term employment contracts by part-time contracts, but remains concerned at reports indicating the persistence of such practice and at the negative impact this may have on the enjoyment by workers of their rights (art. 7). 18. The Committee recommends that the State party take all appropriate measures to ensure that guarantees in place are applied to prevent the practice of replacing fixed-term contracts by part-time contracts and other flexible forms of employment with lower pay, including by creating decent work opportunities that offer job security and adequate protection of workers, with a view to respecting workers’ labour rights. Minimum wage 19. Despite the State party’s declared intention to raise the minimum wage, the Committee is concerned about the reductions of the minimum wage resulting from the austerity measures taken, particularly in respect of young workers’ salaries, which were disproportionally affected. The Committee is concerned that the current level of the minimum wage is not sufficient to provide workers and their families with a decent living (art. 7). 20. The Committee recommends that the State party take the steps necessary to ensure that all workers receive a minimum wage that enables them to ensure a decent living for themselves and their families, and that it is periodically reviewed and adjusted. In this regard, the Committee reminds the State party of its obligations to comply with the Covenant and ensure that austerity measures are progressively waived for the effective protection of article 7 of the Covenant. Collective bargaining 21. The Committee is concerned about the new legal framework introduced on the right to collective bargaining, which has fundamentally changed the structure of collective bargaining and may put employees in a disadvantaged position in the determination of wages and working conditions by direct negotiation (arts. 7 and 8). 22. The Committee recommends that the State party take all the necessary measures, including the establishment of effective control and monitoring mechanisms, with a view to ensuring that agreements concluded at the enterprise level fully respect the rights of employees, in particular those under articles 7 and 8 of the Covenant, and that adequate remedies are available in practice. Social security 23. The Committee is concerned about the restructuring of the State party’s social security system that was carried out as a consequence of the austerity measures implemented and that led to drastic cuts in social security benefits and restrictive entitlements and conditions. It is also concerned that the current coverage and benefits are inadequate to ensure a decent living for the recipients and members of their families and are not in line with article 9 of the Covenant. The Committee is further concerned about the insufficient assistance provided to persons whose benefits have been reduced or discontinued and at the cuts and stringent terms and conditions imposed on noncontributory old-age benefits, which have a negative impact on the living conditions of older persons and their families (art. 9). 5