Best Employment Benefits & Executive Compensation Lawyers in Melissia

About Employment Benefits & Executive Compensation Law in Melissia, Greece

This guide provides a practical introduction to employment benefits and executive compensation matters for people living or working in Melissia, a suburb of Athens in Greece. Employment benefits and executive compensation issues cover pay, bonuses, pension and social security contributions, health and other benefits, severance and termination payments, equity and long-term incentive plans, restrictive covenants and related tax and corporate governance obligations. In Greece these matters are governed by a combination of national legislation, collective agreements, social security rules and contractual terms. Local employers in Melissia must also follow national procedures for notifications, inspections and dispute resolution that are administered from regional offices based in the Athens area.

Why You May Need a Lawyer

You may need a lawyer when the facts, documents or stakes are complex, when your rights may be affected by multiple legal regimes, or when negotiations with an employer require formal legal strategy. Typical situations include alleged unfair dismissal or dispute over severance, disagreement about calculation or payment of wages, bonus or pension entitlements, negotiation or review of an executive employment contract, drafting or challenging restrictive covenants such as non-compete clauses, questions over the tax or social security treatment of stock options and other incentives, mass redundancy or collective bargaining matters, or when you are subject to a disciplinary process that could affect compensation. A lawyer helps protect deadlines, explains legal remedies, negotiates settlements, and represents you before labour courts or administrative bodies.

Local Laws Overview

Greek employment regulation is formed by statute, collective bargaining agreements and case law. Key elements relevant in Melissia are:

- Employment contracts and collective agreements: Terms of employment are set by written or oral contracts and by sectoral or company collective agreements that may set minimum pay, overtime, allowances and benefits.

- Social security and pensions: Contributions for pension and health insurance are paid to the national social security fund - EFKA - with employer and employee shares. Complementary occupational or private pension arrangements are common for senior staff.

- Termination and severance: Dismissal rules depend on the cause and the procedure followed. Certain dismissals can give rise to statutory severance or reinstatement claims. Rules for collective redundancies require consultation and notification to authorities.

- Executive compensation and incentives: Senior executives often have bespoke agreements covering base salary, bonuses, deferred compensation, severance packages and equity-based incentives. Tax and reporting obligations can be significant, especially for stock options and cross-border arrangements.

- Restrictive covenants and confidentiality: Non-compete and confidentiality clauses are treated strictly by courts. Enforceability depends on reasonableness as to duration, geography, scope and compensation.

- Taxation and reporting: Employment remuneration is taxable as income. Special rules may apply to equity awards, fringe benefits and expatriate arrangements. Employers must withhold taxes and social security contributions and report to the tax authority - AADE - and EFKA.

- Enforcement and dispute resolution: Labour disputes are resolved through administrative mediation in some cases and in labour courts for judicial claims. The Labour Inspectorate - SEPE - oversees compliance with labour laws and collective agreements.

Frequently Asked Questions

What basic benefits am I entitled to under Greek law?

Basic entitlements typically include payment of agreed salary, statutory paid leave, social security coverage, and any minimums set by applicable collective agreements. Additional benefits such as private health insurance, company cars, bonuses, or pension supplements depend on your contract or employer policy. Check your written contract and the sectoral agreement that applies to your workplace for specific entitlements.

How is severance handled if I am dismissed?

Severance and remedies for dismissal depend on the reason and procedure. Unlawful dismissal can give rise to compensation, reinstatement or statutory severance, while consensual termination often involves negotiated exit terms. The precise calculation and eligibility rules vary by employment type, length of service and the grounds for dismissal. Seek prompt legal advice because time limits to file claims can be short.

Can my employer change my compensation or benefits?

An employer cannot unilaterally alter essential terms of your employment without your consent, unless the contract or a collective agreement permits it and applicable notice and consultation rules are followed. Material changes that significantly reduce pay or change core duties generally require agreement or may give rise to constructive dismissal claims. Discuss proposed changes with a lawyer before accepting them.

What should an executive employment agreement include?

An effective executive agreement usually covers job duties, base salary, bonus and incentive formulas, payment timing, deferred compensation, equity or stock option terms, pension and health benefits, termination and severance provisions, post-employment restrictions, confidentiality, and dispute resolution. It should also address tax and social security treatment, especially for cross-border arrangements. A lawyer can ensure terms are clear and enforceable and protect your interests.

Are non-compete clauses enforceable in Greece?

Non-compete and restrictive covenants are enforceable if they protect legitimate business interests and are reasonable in scope, duration and geographic reach. Courts and tribunals scrutinize such clauses and may limit or refuse enforcement if they are overly broad or lack fair compensation. For senior executives, agreements that include explicit compensation for post-employment restrictions are more likely to be upheld. Get legal advice when asked to sign or when challenging such a clause.

How are stock options and other equity incentives treated?

Equity incentive plans need careful drafting to address vesting, exercise rights, transfer restrictions, tax treatment and reporting. Taxation can occur at grant, vesting or exercise depending on the plan and applicable rules. Employers must follow corporate governance and shareholder approval rules for certain plans. A combined legal and tax review is recommended before entering or designing an equity scheme.

What social security and pension obligations should employers meet?

Employers must register employees with EFKA, withhold and pay social security contributions, and comply with reporting obligations. For executives, there may be hybrid arrangements involving employer-sponsored supplementary pensions or private plans. Failure to comply can expose employers to fines and back payments. Employees should verify that contributions are recorded correctly in their social security statements.

How long do I have to bring a claim for unpaid benefits or wrongful dismissal?

Time limits for labour claims can be limited and vary by type of claim. Some administrative remedies must be pursued quickly and judicial claims can be subject to short prescription periods. Because of this variation, it is important to consult a lawyer as soon as possible after a dispute arises to preserve your rights and meet relevant deadlines.

Can I seek interim relief or emergency measures during a dispute?

In some cases you can seek urgent court orders to preserve evidence, prevent wrongful payment of bonuses, or stop an employer from taking actions that would prejudice your claims. The availability and type of interim relief depend on the facts and the relief requested. A lawyer can advise on the likelihood of success and the procedures to follow.

Should I involve a tax adviser as well as a lawyer?

Yes. Compensation and benefit arrangements often have significant tax and social security consequences. For issues involving equity awards, expatriate assignments, severance packages or complex benefit structures, coordinate legal and tax advice so that contractual terms, withholding practices and reporting meet both employment law and tax obligations.

Additional Resources

When seeking information or initiating complaints related to employment benefits and executive compensation in Melissia and the Athens area, the following Greek authorities and bodies are useful starting points:

- Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs - for policy and statutory guidance related to employment rules and minimum standards.

- EFKA - Unified Social Security Fund - for social security registration, contribution queries and pension records.

- Labour Inspectorate - SEPE - for compliance inspections, workplace rights enforcement and mediation in some disputes.

- OAED - Public employment services - for unemployment benefits and programs relevant after redundancy.

- Independent Authority for Public Revenue - AADE - for tax guidance and obligations related to compensation and equity incentives.

- Athens Bar Association and local bar associations - to find qualified employment lawyers in the Athens area, including Melissia.

- Hellenic Capital Market Commission - for rules applicable to listed companies and public equity plans.

- Hellenic Data Protection Authority - when compensation or incentive plans involve processing employees personal data.

Next Steps

If you need legal assistance with employment benefits or executive compensation issues in Melissia, consider these practical next steps:

- Gather documents - Collect your employment contract, pay slips, any bonus or pension plan documents, correspondence with your employer and relevant policies.

- Note deadlines - Record dates of key events such as dismissal, first missed payment or a disciplinary letter. Time limits can be short, so act without delay.

- Seek an initial consultation - Contact an employment lawyer who regularly handles compensation, benefits and executive contracts to evaluate your position and options.

- Consider tax and social security advice - For complex compensation packages or equity awards, coordinate with a tax adviser to understand net outcomes and compliance obligations.

- Explore negotiation and mediation - Early legal involvement can help reach a negotiated exit or settlement and may avoid protracted litigation.

- If a dispute proceeds, follow formal procedures - Your lawyer can advise on administrative notifications, filing claims in labour courts and seeking interim relief if needed.

Getting informed and prompt legal advice will help you protect your rights, clarify entitlements and pursue the best possible outcome for your situation in Melissia and the wider Athens area.