Best Employment Rights Lawyers in Melissia

About Employment Rights Law in Melissia, Greece

Employment rights in Melissia are governed primarily by national Greek labour law and by relevant European Union directives. Local practice and enforcement take place through national and regional agencies that cover the Attica area, including Melissia. If you work in Melissia you are protected by the same core rules that apply across Greece - rules about contracts, pay, working time, social security contributions, health and safety, protection from unfair dismissal, and protection against discrimination and harassment. Most disputes are first raised through administrative channels, trade unions or conciliation and, if necessary, through specialist labour courts based in the wider Athens area.

Why You May Need a Lawyer

Labour matters are often time-sensitive and can involve technical issues of substantive law, procedure and evidence. You may need a lawyer if you face any of the following situations:

• Unfair dismissal or a contested termination of employment
• Unpaid wages, overtime, or unpaid holiday pay
• Disputes over redundancy, severance pay or notice periods
• Discrimination, sexual harassment or bullying at work
• Problems with social security registration or incorrect contributions to EFKA
• Workplace accidents, occupational illness and disputes about compensation
• Breaches of a written employment contract or unclear terms of employment
• Conflicts arising from temporary, part-time, agency or remote work arrangements
• Collective bargaining or union-related disputes
• When you want to explore negotiation, mediation or litigation strategies

A qualified employment lawyer can assess the strength of your claim, help preserve important deadlines, advise on negotiation strategies, prepare and file legal documents, represent you in mediation or before administrative bodies and in labour courts, and help enforce any judgement or settlement.

Local Laws Overview

The following are key themes and legal points that are particularly relevant to employment rights in Melissia and across Greece. This summary is intended to help you understand the typical legal landscape - it does not replace tailored legal advice.

• Employment contracts - Employment relationships may be established by written or oral agreement. Recent reforms and EU measures have increased the emphasis on transparency - employers are often expected to provide clear written information about essential terms and conditions. Fixed-term, part-time and temporary work are permitted but subject to specific rules and limits.
• Working time and overtime - National laws and EU directives regulate maximum working hours, rest breaks and overtime compensation. Collective agreements in certain sectors may provide stronger protections.
• Minimum pay and wages - Greece sets a national minimum wage that may be updated periodically. Sectoral or company collective agreements can provide higher wage levels. Payslips should show gross pay, deductions and employer contributions.
• Paid leave and family leave - Employees are entitled to annual paid leave, sick leave and maternity/paternity leave under national rules. Eligibility and duration may depend on length of service and type of contract.
• Dismissal and severance - Termination must comply with statutory and contractual notice rules. Unlawful dismissal can give rise to reinstatement or compensation claims. Severance may be payable in certain dismissals or when employment ends after specified service periods.
• Social security and contributions - Employers must register employees with the unified social security institution (EFKA) and make the required employer and employee contributions. Incorrect or missing contributions affect entitlements to healthcare, pensions and benefits.
• Health and safety - Employers have an obligation to provide a safe workplace, comply with occupational health and safety regulations, and take measures to prevent workplace injuries and occupational diseases.
• Discrimination and harassment - Protections cover discrimination on grounds such as sex, race, religion, age, disability, sexual orientation and family status. Harassment, including sexual harassment, is prohibited and can trigger sanctions and compensation.
• Collective rights - Trade unions and collective bargaining play a significant role in many sectors. Collective agreements and union representation can affect working conditions, dispute resolution and labour protections.
• Enforcement and remedies - Administrative inspections, conciliation procedures and specialised labour courts are the usual enforcement routes. Remedies can include back pay, compensation, reinstatement and administrative penalties for employers.

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I do first if my employer fires me?

Start by asking your employer for a clear written explanation of the reason for dismissal and the effective date. Preserve copies of any relevant documents - contracts, payslips, emails and messages. Act quickly - many remedies require prompt administrative steps or court claims. Consider contacting a lawyer or your trade union to evaluate whether the dismissal was lawful and what remedies may be available.

Am I protected from discrimination at work?

Yes. Greek law and EU law prohibit discrimination and harassment on grounds such as sex, race, religion, disability, age and sexual orientation. If you believe you have been discriminated against, document the incidents, report them internally if your employer has a procedure, and consider filing a complaint with the competent authority or seeking legal advice.

Do I need a written employment contract?

While employment relationships can sometimes arise orally, written documentation is strongly recommended and in many cases legally required - especially for fixed-term, part-time and remote work. A written contract or written statement of terms helps prove the nature of the relationship and the agreed terms. If you do not have one, ask your employer to provide a written statement and consult a lawyer about your rights.

How much notice must my employer give me before termination?

Notice periods depend on the type of contract, length of service, sectoral rules and applicable collective agreements. If your employer fails to give proper notice, you may be entitled to pay in lieu of notice or other compensation. Check your contract and seek advice promptly to understand the applicable notice requirements.

What can I do if my employer does not pay my wages or overtime?

First, make a written request for payment and keep a copy. If the employer still fails to pay, you can file a complaint with the State Labour Inspectorate and pursue a civil claim for unpaid wages before the labour courts. A lawyer can prepare the claim, calculate owed amounts and help enforce any judgment.

Who pays social security contributions and how do I check they are paid?

Employers are legally obliged to register employees with EFKA and to make both employer and employee contributions to social security. You should receive payslips that show deductions and employer contributions. If you suspect contributions are missing or incorrect, ask your employer for clarification, check with EFKA and consider legal support to correct the record and protect your benefits.

What happens if I am injured at work?

If you are injured, seek medical attention immediately and obtain medical records documenting the injury. Report the injury to your employer and follow internal reporting procedures. Serious cases should be reported to the competent authorities. You may be entitled to workers compensation, medical costs coverage and, depending on circumstances, additional compensation. Legal advice can help secure entitlements and, if necessary, pursue claims.

How long do I have to bring an employment claim?

Time limits vary by the type of claim and the legal route you choose - administrative complaint, conciliation, or court litigation. Some deadlines are short, so it is important to act quickly. Consult a lawyer as soon as possible to preserve your rights and avoid losing the chance to seek remedies.

Can my employer change my contract terms during employment?

An employer cannot unilaterally make material negative changes to your contract without your consent unless there is a lawful and agreed basis to do so. Significant changes may amount to constructive dismissal if imposed without agreement. Small operational changes may be lawful if they fall within the contract or employer prerogatives. If you face unwanted changes, get legal advice before accepting or resisting them.

How can a lawyer help me with an employment dispute?

A lawyer can evaluate your case, explain legal rights and likely outcomes, negotiate with the employer, prepare and file complaints or lawsuits, represent you in hearings, and assist with enforcement of judgments or settlements. Lawyers also advise on options such as mediation, conciliation and settlement negotiations to reach a timely resolution.

Additional Resources

When seeking help or more information in Melissia and the surrounding Attica region, consider these resources and organisations:

• Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs - national policies and guidance on labour law and employment rights
• State Labour Inspectorate - workplace inspections, enforcement and complaints about employer breaches
• EFKA - the unified social security fund for registration and contribution records
• OAED - public employment services for jobseeker support and workplace programmes
• Greek Ombudsman - independent oversight body that can handle complaints about public administration and certain employment-related issues
• Athens Bar Association and local lawyers - for finding qualified labour law specialists experienced in employment disputes
• Trade unions and sectoral associations - representation, collective bargaining and advice for members
• Local Citizen Service Centres - KEP offices and your municipality s services for administrative guidance
• Local labour courts and conciliation services - for formal dispute resolution

Next Steps

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

• Gather documentation - collect your contract, payslips, bank statements, emails, messages, medical records and any written notices.
• Make a written record - write a clear timeline of events, names of people involved, dates and witnesses.
• Raise the issue internally - if safe and practical, use your employer s grievance or HR procedure to try to resolve the matter.
• Contact your trade union - if you are a member, unions often provide advice and representation.
• Seek official help - report serious breaches to the State Labour Inspectorate or the relevant administrative body.
• Get legal advice - consult a specialist labour lawyer early to learn your rights, statutory deadlines and likely remedies. Ask about costs, the initial consultation process and possible funding or legal aid options.
• Consider negotiation and mediation - many disputes can be settled without court through negotiation or mediation, which a lawyer can help facilitate.
• Preserve evidence and meet deadlines - act promptly to protect your legal rights and avoid losing entitlement to remedies.

Employment disputes can be stressful, but you do not have to handle them alone. A local labour lawyer can help you understand your position, pursue a fair outcome and guide you through Greece s administrative and court procedures.