Best Employment & Labor Lawyers in Acharnes

About Employment & Labor Law in Acharnes, Greece

Employment and labor matters in Acharnes are governed by Greek national labor law, collective agreements and European law where applicable. Acharnes is part of the Attica region and most employment disputes and administrative procedures follow the same rules used across Greece. Common workplace issues include employment contracts, payment of wages and social-security contributions, working time and overtime, health and safety, discrimination, collective bargaining and termination of employment. While local offices and services are available in and near Acharnes, substantive rights and obligations come from national legislation and sectoral collective agreements.

Why You May Need a Lawyer

You may need an employment lawyer when your workplace problem involves legal rights, formal procedures, time limits or potential litigation. Common situations that typically require legal help include:

• Unlawful termination or abrupt dismissal - to assess whether dismissal was lawful and to pursue reinstatement or compensation.
• Unpaid wages, overtime or unpaid contributions to social-security - to recover sums and enforce remedies.
• Discrimination, harassment or bullying - to establish liability and request protection or damages.
• Problems under fixed-term or part-time contracts - to determine conversion to permanent status or claim related benefits.
• Collective disputes involving unions or employer associations - for negotiation, representation and interpretation of collective agreements.
• Workplace health and safety breaches that cause injury or risk - to secure inspections and remedies.
• Complex redundancy plans or collective dismissals - to ensure compliance with procedure, consultation and compensation rules.
• Administrative proceedings before Labour Inspectorate or labour courts - to prepare submissions and evidence.

An employment lawyer can explain your rights, estimate time limits for claims, prepare written claims or defenses, represent you before the Labour Inspectorate and the courts, and negotiate settlements.

Local Laws Overview

Key legal aspects to know in Acharnes - consistent with national law - include the following:

• Employment contracts - Contracts can be written or verbal, but written contracts provide clear proof of terms. Contracts may be indefinite or fixed-term and should set out key terms such as pay, working hours, place of work and job description.
• Wages and payroll - Wages must comply with national minimum standards and any applicable collective agreement. Employers must issue payslips and make required social-security contributions on behalf of employees.
• Working hours and overtime - Statutory rules determine normal working hours, rest periods, weekly holidays and overtime compensation. Sectoral rules and agreements can modify those terms.
• Leaves and family protections - Employees have statutory entitlements to annual leave, sick leave, maternity and paternity leave and other family-related protections. Some rights are protected against dismissal during specific periods.
• Termination and severance - Dismissals must respect procedural and substantive safeguards. Depending on the reason for termination and the contract type, employees may be entitled to notice, severance pay or reinstatement.
• Health and safety - Employers must provide a safe workplace and comply with occupational health and safety obligations, including risk assessments and training.
• Social-security and benefits - Contributions are paid to the national social-security system. Failure to register or to pay contributions can create remedies for employees and penalties for employers.
• Collective rights - Trade unions, collective bargaining and the right to strike are regulated. Sectoral collective agreements often set terms that are enforceable by employers and employees.
• Dispute resolution - Employment disputes are commonly heard by the labour courts and preceded or investigated by the Labour Inspectorate. Alternative dispute resolution and mediation may also be available.

Note - many procedural requirements have strict deadlines. If you think your rights have been breached, act promptly to preserve legal remedies.

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I do if my employer stops paying my wages or pays late?

If your wages are late or missing, document the missed payments, keep payslips and employment records, and raise the issue in writing with your employer. If the employer does not resolve the matter, you can file a complaint with the Labour Inspectorate or take a civil claim before the labour court to recover unpaid wages.

Can my employer dismiss me without cause?

Dismissal must respect the legal and contractual safeguards. Employers may dismiss for valid reasons such as disciplinary misconduct or economic necessity, but arbitrary or discriminatory dismissals can be challenged. Depending on the circumstances, you may seek reinstatement or compensation through the labour court.

How can I check that my social-security contributions have been paid?

You can check your social-security record through the national social-security authority. If contributions are missing, notify the employer in writing and consider filing a complaint with the social-security authority and the Labour Inspectorate. A lawyer can help assemble evidence and pursue recovery.

What are my rights if I experience harassment or discrimination at work?

Greek law prohibits workplace discrimination and harassment based on protected grounds such as gender, nationality, religion, age and disability. Victims can report incidents to the employer, seek internal remedies, file complaints with the Labour Inspectorate, and bring claims for damages or other remedies in court.

Do I need a written contract to prove my employment?

A written contract is the best proof of the terms of your employment. However, even without a written contract, an employment relationship can be established through payslips, time records, emails, witness statements and other documents. Obtaining a written contract is strongly recommended.

What steps should I take if I am dismissed?

On dismissal, immediately request written reasons and any termination letter, keep all payslips and employment documents, note dates and events, and speak to an employment lawyer promptly. Time limits to file claims can be short, so early legal advice is important.

Can I be asked to work extra hours and how is overtime paid?

Employers can require overtime within legal limits and subject to contractual or collective agreement terms. Overtime is usually compensated by higher pay or time off in lieu. Check your contract and relevant collective agreement to know the applicable rates and limits.

Where do I file a complaint about workplace safety?

Workplace safety concerns can be reported to the Labour Inspectorate. If a safety breach causes injury, medical records and reports are important. A lawyer can help coordinate with inspectors and, if necessary, pursue compensation or criminal prosecution when laws are breached.

What happens with severance pay and notice periods?

Severance and notice entitlements depend on the type of contract, length of service and the reason for termination. Collective agreements and statutory law determine minimums. If severance or notice pay is not provided correctly, you can claim them before the labour courts.

How can I find local legal help in Acharnes?

Look for lawyers who specialise in employment law and who practice in the Attica region. You may also contact the local bar association for referrals or ask trade unions for recommendations. An initial consultation will help you assess the strength of your case and the next steps.

Additional Resources

Useful bodies and organisations for employment and labor matters in Acharnes and Greece include:

• Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs - oversees national labor policy and regulation.
• Labour Inspectorate - carries out workplace inspections, enforces labor standards and accepts complaints.
• OAED - the public employment service for unemployment benefits, training and local employment programs.
• EFKA - the single social-security authority that administers contributions and benefits.
• Labour Courts - courts that hear employment disputes; most claims in Acharnes are heard by courts in the Attica jurisdiction.
• Local trade unions and sectoral unions - provide advice, representation and support for collective matters.
• Local municipality services and Citizen Service Centres - for administrative support and document requests.
• Local bar association - for lawyer referrals and information about free or reduced-fee legal aid where available.

Next Steps

If you need legal assistance with an employment or labor issue in Acharnes, consider the following practical steps:

• Gather documents - collect your contract, payslips, social-security statements, emails, termination letter, time sheets, medical reports and any other relevant items.
• Make a written record - prepare a chronology of events with dates, times and witnesses to the incidents you plan to raise.
• Contact the Labour Inspectorate - for inspections, administrative complaints or to report safety or contribution breaches.
• Seek initial legal advice - consult an employment lawyer to assess your rights, possible remedies and deadlines. Many lawyers offer an initial meeting to review your case.
• Consider alternative dispute resolution - mediation or negotiated settlement may produce a faster result than court, depending on the case.
• Act promptly - many employment claims have strict time limits. Do not delay in taking action or seeking legal advice.
• Check eligibility for legal aid - if you cannot afford private counsel, ask the local bar association about legal aid or pro bono services.

Employment law can be complex and outcomes often turn on documentation, timing and procedural steps. Early preparation and competent legal advice improve the chances of a successful result.