Best Employer Lawyers in Karditsa

About Employer Law in Karditsa, Greece

Employer law in Karditsa, Greece governs the relationship between employers and employees within the local economy of the Karditsa regional unit. It is based on national Greek labour and social-security law, shaped by European Union directives and national collective agreements. Whether you run a small business in a village or you are a manager in a larger firm in Karditsa town, the same core legal rules apply about contracts, wages, working time, health and safety and social contributions. Local institutions such as the regional offices of the Ministry of Labour, EFKA and the Labour Inspectorate help enforce rules and provide administration on the ground.

Why You May Need a Lawyer

There are many situations where a specialised employment lawyer can help you protect your rights or the interests of your business. Common reasons include:

- Disputes about dismissal or alleged unfair termination

- Claims for unpaid wages, overtime or unlawful deductions

- Problems with social-security contributions and benefits or disputes with EFKA

- Contract drafting and review - permanent, fixed-term, part-time, temporary agency and freelance arrangements

- Collective and individual redundancy procedures, including consultation and notification obligations

- Workplace harassment, discrimination or mobbing claims

- Health and safety breaches and administrative inspections by the Labour Inspectorate

- Negotiations with trade unions or employee representatives

- Compliance with sectoral collective agreements and payroll obligations

Local Laws Overview

Employment law in Karditsa follows the national legal framework of Greece. Key aspects to understand are:

- Sources of law - The legal framework includes the Greek Constitution, national labour legislation, the Civil Code, collective agreements, EU directives and case law from Greek courts and the European Court of Human Rights. Collective bargaining at national or sectoral level can set terms that apply to workers and employers.

- Types of contracts - Contracts can be indefinite-term (permanent), fixed-term, part-time, temporary-agency or freelance. Each type has specific rules about renewals, probation and termination.

- Working time and overtime - Law regulates normal working hours, overtime pay and rest periods. Employers must observe maximum working hours and compensate overtime in line with statute or collective agreements.

- Wages and payslips - Employers must pay wages on time and provide payslips showing deductions for taxes and social-security contributions. National minimum wage rules or sectoral minimums may apply.

- Social-security - Employers must register employees with EFKA and make employer and employee contributions. This affects pensions, health care and unemployment benefits.

- Termination and notice - Dismissal rules vary depending on contract type, length of service and reason for termination. Special rules protect pregnant employees and employees on certain types of leave.

- Health and safety - Employers have obligations to assess risks, provide training and maintain safe workplaces under national and EU occupational health and safety rules. The Labour Inspectorate enforces these rules.

- Dispute resolution - Employment disputes are typically pursued before specialised employment courts or through administrative procedures. The Labour Inspectorate can also mediate or inspect workplaces.

Frequently Asked Questions

What types of employment contracts are common in Greece?

Common types are indefinite-term (permanent) contracts, fixed-term contracts, part-time contracts, temporary-agency contracts and independent contractor agreements. Each has different legal protections, termination rules and social-security obligations. Always check the written contract terms and specific sectoral rules.

Can my employer dismiss me without cause?

Dismissal rules depend on the contract and the reason. Lawful dismissals require a valid reason and compliance with notice periods and procedural safeguards. Dismissals based on protected characteristics or in breach of statutory protections can be challenged. If you suspect unlawful dismissal, seek advice quickly because there are strict time-limits for filing claims.

What should I do if my employer is not paying my wages or social-security contributions?

First gather documents - payslips, bank records, contract and any written communication. Contact the employer in writing requesting payment. If unpaid, you can file a complaint with the local Labour Inspectorate and lodge a claim before the Labour Court. A lawyer can help calculate arrears and represent you in administrative and court proceedings.

Am I entitled to paid annual leave and public holiday pay?

Yes, employees are entitled to paid annual leave and public holiday protections under Greek law and often under sectoral collective agreements. The length of annual leave depends on length of service and the type of contract. Public holiday entitlement and pay rules depend on whether the day is usually worked and on sectoral rules.

What rights do pregnant employees and parents have?

Pregnant employees and new parents have special protections, including maternity leave and certain restrictions on dismissal and transfers during pregnancy and maternity leave. Fathers and adoptive parents may also have statutory leave. Employers must observe notification and documentation requirements and cannot lawfully terminate employment for reasons related to pregnancy or maternity in most circumstances.

How are working hours and overtime regulated?

Law sets normal weekly working hours, daily rest periods and rules for overtime. Overtime must generally be compensated either through additional pay or compensatory time off, according to statute or collective agreements. Employers should keep accurate records of hours worked.

What obligations does an employer have for workplace health and safety?

Employers must carry out risk assessments, provide training and information to employees, maintain safe working conditions and implement preventive measures. Serious breaches can lead to administrative fines or criminal liability in cases of negligence causing harm. The Labour Inspectorate performs inspections and enforces compliance.

How do I challenge a disciplinary penalty or internal sanction?

Review the employer s internal regulations and disciplinary procedure, if any. You should request written reasons for the penalty and retain any correspondence. If the sanction is unjustified or procedurally defective, you can contest it through internal grievance procedures, the Labour Inspectorate or by filing a claim before the Labour Court with legal assistance.

What happens in a collective redundancy or company restructuring?

Collective redundancies and large-scale reorganisations trigger consultation, notification and information duties. Employers must consult employee representatives and inform the competent authorities before proceeding. Failure to comply can make dismissals null and entitle employees to remedies. Legal advice is important at the earliest stage to ensure compliance.

How can I find a qualified employment lawyer in Karditsa?

Look for lawyers who specialise in employment and labour law and have experience with local employers, unions and courts. Contact the Karditsa local Bar Association for referrals, ask for client references, request a written fee agreement and confirm the lawyer s courtroom experience if litigation may be needed. If you cannot afford private counsel, ask about eligibility for state legal aid through the Bar Association.

Additional Resources

These local and national bodies can help with information, complaints and administrative procedures:

- Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs - regional services and information on employment rights

- Labour Inspectorate - workplace inspections and complaint handling

- EFKA - social-security registration, contributions and benefits

- OAED - employment services and unemployment benefits

- Karditsa Local Bar Association - referrals to qualified employment lawyers and information about legal aid

- Citizen Service Centers - KEP - assistance with administrative forms and document certification

- Local trade unions and employer associations - support for collective issues and sectoral rules

- Labour Courts - to file employment disputes if administrative resolution is not reached

Next Steps

If you need legal assistance regarding an employment issue in Karditsa, take these practical steps:

- Gather and secure all relevant documents - contract, payslips, social-security statements, emails, letters, and any disciplinary notices or warnings.

- Note important dates - hire date, dismissal date, incidents and deadlines for internal grievances.

- Contact a specialised employment lawyer for an initial consultation - ask about experience with local practice and likely costs.

- Consider filing a complaint with the Labour Inspectorate if you face safety issues, unpaid wages or social-security breaches - the Inspectorate can inspect and mediate.

- If you are low-income, ask the Karditsa Bar Association about legal aid options.

- Act promptly - employment disputes frequently have strict time-limits and early action preserves evidence and legal rights.

If you are unsure where to start, visiting your local Citizen Service Center - KEP - or contacting the Karditsa Bar Association can help you identify the right office or lawyer for your case.