Best Employment & Labor Lawyers in Vouliagmeni

About Employment & Labor Law in Vouliagmeni, Greece

Employment and labor law in Vouliagmeni follows Greek national law and European Union standards. Vouliagmeni is part of the Municipality of Vari-Voula-Vouliagmeni within the Attica region, so the same rules that apply across Greece will govern hiring, pay, working time, safety, leave, and termination. Greek law blends detailed statutes with collective bargaining agreements and European directives, and it is enforced by the Hellenic Labor Inspectorate and the courts in Athens. Recent reforms have focused on digital timekeeping, telework rules, parental protections, and stronger measures against harassment and violence at work.

If you live or operate a business in Vouliagmeni, you will deal with requirements such as registering hires in the myERGANI system, observing the statutory minimum wage, keeping accurate time records, paying overtime premiums, honoring leave rights, and following strict procedures for ending employment. Both employees and employers benefit from early legal guidance, because many rights have short deadlines and must be documented carefully.

Why You May Need a Lawyer

You may need an employment lawyer when you are hired, during your employment, or when the relationship ends. Common reasons include reviewing a contract or a non-compete clause, clarifying whether you are properly classified as an employee or contractor, negotiating pay and bonus terms, addressing unpaid wages or overtime, or documenting schedule changes and telework arrangements. Employees often seek help with workplace harassment, bullying, or discrimination based on gender, pregnancy, disability, age, race, religion, or union activity. Employers frequently need counsel to structure compliant policies, implement telework, set up lawful monitoring and privacy notices, and handle disciplinary actions.

Terminations and redundancies are high risk for both sides. Greek law requires written termination, filings in myERGANI, and timely payment of severance where due. Collective redundancies and changes to core terms may trigger information and consultation duties. If a dispute arises, a lawyer can advise on mediation before the Organization for Mediation and Arbitration, represent you before the Labor Inspectorate, and prepare or defend a claim in the Athens labor courts.

Local Laws Overview

Employment relationship and contracts. Most relationships are for an indefinite term, but fixed term and part time arrangements are allowed. Key terms should be in writing and provided to the employee shortly after hiring. Hiring must be registered electronically in myERGANI before work starts. Many industries are also covered by sectoral or company collective agreements that supplement statutory rules.

Working time and overtime. The standard full time schedule is typically 40 hours per week, aligned with EU rules on daily and weekly rest. Work beyond the contractual schedule is regulated as extra work and overtime, with different pay premiums and yearly caps. Overtime generally requires prior recording in myERGANI and must be compensated at statutory rates. Total weekly hours, including overtime, are limited by EU law. Night work and work on Sundays or public holidays attract special premiums or compensatory rest.

Minimum wage and pay. Greece has a statutory minimum wage that applies nationwide, including Vouliagmeni. The amount is updated periodically by the government. Sectoral collective agreements may grant higher minima or allowances. Employers must issue clear payslips, pay on time, and keep payroll and time records. Unpaid wages and overtime can be claimed with interest and may be subject to administrative fines.

Leave and family rights. Employees accrue paid annual leave and holiday allowance, with entitlements increasing with service. Greek law provides maternity leave, paternity leave, parental leave, caregiver leave, and force majeure leave, along with protections against dismissal connected to pregnancy, childbirth, or parental leave. Parental and family leaves are supported by social security or the public employment service in specific periods.

Telework and right to disconnect. Telework is allowed by agreement or in specific circumstances for public health or safety. Employers must supply equipment or cover reasonable costs, respect the right to disconnect outside working hours, and assess health and safety risks. Teleworkers have equal rights to training, evaluation, and career development.

Health and safety. Employers have a duty to provide a safe workplace under the Occupational Health and Safety Code, to assess risks, train staff, and maintain accident logs. Depending on headcount and sector, a safety officer and occupational physician may be required. Work related accidents must be reported promptly, and injured workers may be entitled to benefits.

Equality and harassment. Greek law prohibits discrimination and protects dignity at work. Law 4808-2021 strengthened protections against harassment and violence, requiring procedures for reporting and addressing incidents. Employers must investigate complaints and take corrective action. Retaliation for raising concerns or cooperating with investigations is prohibited.

Data protection and monitoring. Workplace data processing must comply with the GDPR and Greek implementing law. Monitoring of emails, internet use, geolocation, or CCTV must be lawful, proportionate, and transparent. Employers should have clear policies and inform employees about monitoring and data retention. Employees have access and objection rights.

Termination and severance. Termination must be in writing and recorded in myERGANI. Statutory severance may be due in indefinite term contracts, varying by length of service and whether notice is given. Dismissals that are discriminatory or abusive can be challenged. Fixed term contracts end at expiry unless there is an early termination right. Collective redundancies require advance information and consultation with employee representatives and observance of specific procedures.

Social security and benefits. Employers and employees contribute to EFKA, the unified social security fund. Registration and contributions are mandatory and linked to benefits such as pensions, sickness, maternity, and unemployment. Foreign nationals need proper work authorization and registration, with equal application of labor standards once employed.

Dispute resolution. Many disputes are first addressed through the Hellenic Labor Inspectorate for mediation or inspection. Parties may also use mediation through OMED or proceed to the labor courts in Athens. Wage claims commonly have a five year limitation period, while challenges to termination or severance may have shorter deadlines, so prompt advice is important.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the national minimum wage apply in Vouliagmeni

Yes. The statutory minimum wage in Greece applies nationwide, including Vouliagmeni. It is adjusted periodically by the government. Collective agreements can set higher pay. Check the current figure before signing a contract or budgeting payroll.

What is the standard workweek and how is overtime paid

The typical full time schedule is 40 hours per week. Extra work beyond the contractual hours and statutory overtime are paid with premiums, subject to annual caps and advance recording obligations in myERGANI. Night work, Sunday work, and public holiday work also have special rules. Employers must keep accurate time records, and employees should retain copies of schedules and payslips.

Can my employer change my schedule or place of work unilaterally

Limited changes are possible under the employer’s managerial right if they remain within the contract and the law, are not abusive, and are properly recorded. Material changes to core terms like pay, hours, or location generally require agreement or a valid business reason supported by law or a collective agreement. Schedule changes and overtime must be reported in myERGANI as required.

What are my rights to annual leave and public holidays

Employees accrue paid annual leave that increases with service, plus receive a holiday allowance. Greece also observes national public holidays. Work on a public holiday is restricted in many sectors and usually attracts premium pay or compensatory rest. Employers must plan leave fairly and keep leave records.

How are maternity, paternity, and parental leaves handled

Greek law provides maternity leave, paternity leave, and individual parental leave with strong protection against dismissal. Parts of these leaves are paid by social security or the public employment service. Employees should notify their employer in writing and provide the required documents. Employers must reinstate returning parents to their role or an equivalent one and prevent adverse treatment.

What counts as workplace harassment or discrimination

Harassment includes unwanted conduct that violates dignity or creates a hostile environment. It can be sexual or related to protected characteristics like gender, race, disability, age, religion, or union membership. Discrimination includes any less favorable treatment on these grounds. Employers must prevent and address such behavior through policies, training, and prompt investigations. Employees can report internally, to the Labor Inspectorate, or seek legal action.

How do I challenge a dismissal I believe is unlawful

Act quickly. Keep the termination letter, payslips, and any communications. Confirm whether the employer filed the termination in myERGANI and paid severance if applicable. You can seek mediation at the Labor Inspectorate or file a claim in the labor court. Deadlines for challenging a dismissal and claiming severance differences can be short, so consult a lawyer as soon as possible.

Am I an employee or an independent contractor

Courts look at the reality of the relationship, not only the contract label. If the company controls your schedule, directs how work is done, integrates you into its organization, and you bear little economic risk, you are likely an employee with full protections and benefits. Misclassification can lead to back pay, social security contributions, and fines. Specialized rules also apply to platform work when certain criteria are met.

What are my rights when working from home

Telework requires a written arrangement that covers hours, availability, equipment, cost reimbursement, data security, and health and safety. You have a right to disconnect outside working hours. Teleworkers must receive equal treatment on pay, training, and evaluation. Employers remain responsible for risk assessment and ergonomic guidance.

Where do I file a complaint about unpaid wages or unsafe conditions

You can contact the Hellenic Labor Inspectorate, which operates regional offices in Attica. It can conduct inspections, mediate disputes, and impose fines. For wage and overtime claims, you can also file in the labor court. For data privacy issues, you may approach the Hellenic Data Protection Authority. Keep evidence such as contracts, schedules, emails, and payslips.

Additional Resources

Hellenic Labor Inspectorate. The national authority that inspects workplaces, mediates disputes, and enforces labor law. There is a Regional Directorate of Attica that covers Vouliagmeni.

Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs. Publishes labor legislation, circulars, and guidance on working time, leaves, telework, and collective agreements.

myERGANI. The electronic platform for registering hires, terminations, schedules, and overtime. Employers and employees should retain copies of filings and receipts.

EFKA. The unified social security fund that handles registrations and contributions for pensions, sickness, and related benefits.

Public Employment Service DYPA. Provides unemployment benefits, parental leave allowances in specific cases, training programs, and guidance for job seekers and employers.

Organization for Mediation and Arbitration OMED. Offers mediation and arbitration services for labor disputes and collective bargaining issues.

Athens Bar Association. Can help you locate employment law attorneys serving Vouliagmeni and the wider Attica region.

Center for Workers and Unemployed KEPEA of GSEE. Provides practical information for employees on pay, overtime, and leave rights.

Greek Ombudsman. Handles issues of maladministration and can intervene in certain equal treatment matters.

Hellenic Data Protection Authority. Oversees compliance with GDPR in the workplace, including monitoring, CCTV, and employee data handling.

Next Steps

Document everything. Keep copies of your employment contract, any amendments, job descriptions, policies, time records, schedules, emails, and myERGANI filings. For pay disputes, collect payslips, bank statements, and any notes of hours worked. For harassment or discrimination, write down dates, witnesses, and save messages.

Act within deadlines. Some claims have short time limits. Wage claims commonly allow more time, but challenges to dismissal, severance differences, or specific administrative objections can expire within weeks or a few months. Ask a lawyer immediately if you receive a warning letter, a transfer notice, or a termination.

Seek early legal advice. A local employment lawyer can evaluate the facts, calculate entitlements, identify the best forum, and open a dialogue with the other side. For employers, counsel can audit policies, set up compliant telework and monitoring frameworks, and manage restructurings or redundancies safely.

Consider administrative routes. For many issues, you can first request an inspection or mediation by the Hellenic Labor Inspectorate. Mediation through OMED may be suitable in collective or complex disputes. These routes can resolve conflicts faster and at lower cost.

Prioritize settlement where feasible. Many labor disputes settle pragmatically once the legal position is clear and documentation is exchanged. A lawyer can help structure a settlement that addresses pay, severance, references, confidentiality, and post-termination obligations.

Keep compliance ongoing. Employers in Vouliagmeni should maintain accurate timekeeping, update policies for harassment prevention and data privacy, train managers, and review collective agreement coverage. Employees should review their contracts periodically, confirm myERGANI entries match reality, and speak up early when issues arise.

This guide provides general information, not legal advice. For a tailored assessment of your situation in Vouliagmeni, consult a qualified employment lawyer in the Attica region.