Best Employment Rights Lawyers in Acharnes

About Employment Rights Law in Acharnes, Greece

Employment rights in Acharnes are governed primarily by Greek national labour law, supplemented by collective bargaining agreements, individual employment contracts, and European Union regulations where applicable. Acharnes is part of the Attica region, so employment disputes and inspections are handled by the same regional authorities and courts that serve greater Athens. Key protections include rules on wages, working time, overtime, annual leave, parental and sick leave, social security contributions, health and safety at work, and protection against unfair dismissal and discrimination. Most disputes are resolved through administrative inspections or before labour courts, and Greek is the language used for official procedures and court hearings.

Why You May Need a Lawyer

Employment law can be technical and time-sensitive. You may need a lawyer if you face any of the following situations:

- Unlawful termination or dismissal without fair notice or compensation.

- Non-payment or late payment of salary, overtime, or benefits.

- Discrimination, harassment, bullying at work, or retaliation for reporting wrongdoing.

- Workplace accident or occupational disease requiring compensation and social security claims.

- Disputes over collective redundancy, restructuring, or changes in working conditions.

- Enforcement of contract terms, such as non-compete clauses or bonus payments.

- Problems with fixed-term, part-time, or temporary agency employment that suggest misuse.

- Complex negotiations over settlement agreements or severance packages.

- Filing claims before labour courts or representing you in conciliation and arbitration.

A lawyer can assess your case, advise on evidence and procedure, calculate entitlements, handle communications with the employer, and represent you in administrative inspections or court.

Local Laws Overview

While Greece does not have a single consolidated labour code, employment relations are regulated by a combination of statutes, collective agreements, individual contracts, and case law. Key aspects to understand include:

- Employment contract types - indefinite-term, fixed-term, part-time, seasonal and agency contracts each have specific protections and limits to prevent abusive use.

- Wages and minimum standards - statutory minimum wage rules and wage protections apply; collective bargaining agreements may set higher minima for particular sectors.

- Working time and overtime - rules govern weekly working hours, rest periods, night work and overtime pay.

- Leave and family protections - paid annual leave, maternity leave, paternity leave, sick leave and other family-related absences are protected by law.

- Social security - social insurance contributions are mandatory and administered by the unified social security fund, which affects health coverage, pensions and work-accident benefits.

- Dismissal and remedies - dismissal must meet statutory grounds; unlawful dismissal may give rise to reinstatement or compensation. Notice periods and severance entitlements depend on the type and length of employment and the reason for termination.

- Health and safety - employers have duties to protect workers; serious breaches can lead to administrative fines and criminal liability.

- Collective labour relations - trade unions and employer associations negotiate collective agreements; collective dismissals follow additional procedures and consultation requirements.

- Enforcement - the Labour Inspectorate enforces employment and health and safety rules, while labour courts hear disputes and award remedies.

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I do first if my employer has not paid my wages?

Start by documenting the missing payments - paystubs, bank statements, employment contract and any written communications. Raise the issue in writing with your employer and keep a copy. If the employer does not resolve the problem, contact the regional Labour Inspectorate to request an inspection and consult an employment lawyer to discuss filing a claim for unpaid wages and interest in the labour court.

Can I do anything immediately after being dismissed?

Yes - preserve all documents related to your employment and dismissal, including contracts, pay records, termination letter and any performance reviews. Ask the employer for a written statement of reasons for dismissal. Time limits for filing claims can be strict, so consult a lawyer quickly to assess whether you have grounds for unfair dismissal, reinstatement or compensation.

Am I protected against discrimination at work?

Yes - Greek law and EU law prohibit discrimination based on sex, race, religion, age, disability, sexual orientation and other protected characteristics. Protection covers hiring, pay, promotion, training and termination. If you believe you have been discriminated against, keep records of the incidents and seek legal advice to file a complaint with an employer, the Labour Inspectorate, the Greek Ombudsman or a court.

What rights do I have during probation or trial periods?

Probationary periods allow employers and employees to assess suitability, but workers still enjoy basic statutory protections from discrimination and occupational health and safety. Contractual terms governing notice and termination during probation should be clear in your contract. If you suspect an employer is using probation to avoid obligations, a lawyer can review the contract and advise on remedies.

How are workplace accidents handled?

Report the accident to your employer and seek medical treatment immediately. The incident should be recorded in the workplace injury log. You may be entitled to compensation through the social security system for temporary incapacity, medical costs and long-term disability, and you may have a civil claim against your employer for negligence. Gather medical records, witness statements and any safety reports, and consult a lawyer experienced in occupational injury claims.

What if my employer asks me to sign a settlement or termination agreement?

Do not sign any agreement until you understand the full consequences. Settlement agreements can waive your right to future claims. Have a lawyer review the document to ensure you receive fair compensation and that any waiver is clear and voluntary. A lawyer can also negotiate better terms, such as a higher severance payment, assistance with references, or a tax-efficient arrangement.

Can a non-compete clause prevent me from working after dismissal?

Non-compete clauses are allowed but they must meet legal requirements to be enforceable - they should be reasonable in scope, duration and geographic reach and must include compensation in many cases. The enforceability of non-compete clauses depends on the contract wording and circumstances, so have a lawyer evaluate the clause before changing jobs.

How do collective dismissals and redundancies work?

Collective redundancies trigger special procedures, including mandatory consultation with employee representatives and notification to authorities. Employers must follow statutory criteria for selection and provide information on alternatives to dismissal. If procedures are not followed, employees may have legal claims. Trade unions can assist in collective processes, and lawyers can help enforce procedural rights or negotiate redundancy terms.

What evidence should I collect if I decide to bring a claim?

Useful evidence includes your employment contract, pay slips, bank transfers, timesheets, emails or messages showing instructions or disputes, termination letter, medical records for injury or illness, witness contact details and any written company policies. A clear timeline of events is also very helpful for your lawyer and for court proceedings.

Can I get legal aid or low-cost representation?

Yes - if you have limited means you may qualify for legal aid or other assistance. In many cases the local Bar Association can provide information about legal aid eligibility and procedures. Some trade unions and non-governmental organisations also provide support or referrals. Discuss funding and fee arrangements with any lawyer before you proceed.

Additional Resources

Here are the types of organisations and bodies that can help with employment-rights issues in Acharnes and the broader Attica area:

- Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs - sets national labour policy and legislation.

- Regional Labour Inspectorate - handles workplace inspections, complaints and enforcement.

- Social security authority - for health coverage, pensions and work-accident benefits.

- Public employment services - for unemployment benefits and re-employment programs.

- Labour courts and local courts - adjudicate employment disputes.

- Greek Ombudsman - for administrative or public-sector employment complaints and discrimination issues.

- Local Bar Association - can refer employment-law specialists and advise on legal aid.

- Trade unions and sectoral bargaining bodies - provide representation and advice in collective matters.

- Local municipality social services - for immediate social support and referral to legal clinics.

Next Steps

If you need legal assistance with an employment-rights matter in Acharnes, follow these practical steps:

- Act promptly - many employment claims have strict time limits, so start as soon as possible.

- Gather documents - collect your contract, pay records, termination notice, medical reports and any correspondence related to the dispute.

- Make a clear timeline - note dates and concise descriptions of events and witnesses.

- Seek an initial consultation - contact an employment lawyer experienced in Greek labour law to review your case and explain options, likely outcomes and costs.

- Consider non-litigation options - mediation or negotiation can resolve many disputes faster and with lower cost than court.

- Use public resources - file a complaint with the Labour Inspectorate if there are health and safety breaches or statutory violations, and contact social security authorities for benefits and workplace-injury claims.

- Check legal aid - if you cannot afford private counsel, ask the local Bar Association about legal aid or pro bono services.

Getting professional advice early improves your chances of a favorable outcome. A specialist employment lawyer can guide you through the procedure most appropriate for your situation and help protect your rights.