Best Employment Rights Lawyers in Thivais

About Employment Rights Law in Thivais, Greece

People who live or work in Thivais are protected by Greek national employment law, which applies across the country and is influenced by European Union standards. Key rules are set by the Greek Constitution, the Civil Code, specific labor statutes such as Law 4808-2021 and Law 5053-2023, collective labor agreements, and health and safety regulations. Enforcement and guidance are provided by the Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs and the Hellenic Labor Inspectorate. Social insurance is managed by EFKA, and employment services and certain leave benefits are administered by the Public Employment Service DYPA.

Greek law regulates hiring, working hours and overtime, pay and bonuses, annual and special leaves, termination and severance, workplace health and safety, equal treatment and anti-harassment, union rights and collective bargaining, and the documentation employers must keep in systems such as ERGANI. If you are based in Thivais, you will usually deal with local courts and regional labor authorities serving Boeotia and Central Greece.

Why You May Need a Lawyer

Termination and severance issues. If you were dismissed, asked to resign, or offered a settlement, a lawyer can assess notice, severance, and whether the dismissal is lawful, and negotiate better terms.

Unpaid wages, overtime, or bonuses. Legal help can secure unpaid salary, overtime premiums, Sunday or holiday pay, and the Christmas, Easter, and vacation allowances where applicable.

Workplace harassment or discrimination. A lawyer can help you report and stop unlawful behavior, preserve evidence, and seek compensation or protective measures.

Misclassification and contract questions. If you are labeled as a freelancer, contractor, or part timer but work like a full employee, or if you lack a written contract, legal advice can clarify your status and rights.

Leave and family protections. Disputes about maternity, paternity, parental leave, or flexible work can benefit from early legal guidance.

Health and safety and work accidents. After an accident or unsafe conditions, a lawyer can guide reporting to authorities and claims for compensation and benefits.

Non compete, confidentiality, and IP. Counsel can review restrictive covenants and negotiate scope so they remain enforceable and fair.

Collective redundancies and restructuring. Employees and works councils may need advice on consultation rights and entitlements during reorganizations.

Immigration and work permits. Third country nationals often need coordinated advice on residence and work authorization connected to employment rights.

Local Laws Overview

Employment relationship and documentation. Employers must register hires, schedules, and changes in ERGANI before work starts. Written contracts are strongly recommended and required for certain arrangements such as part time or telework. Probation is generally allowed up to 6 months for open ended contracts unless otherwise agreed.

Working time and overtime. The standard full time schedule is typically 40 hours per week. Overtime and overwork must be pre recorded in ERGANI, are subject to limits set by law, and attract premium pay. Sunday and public holiday work is restricted and usually requires special justification and premium pay or compensatory rest. Night work and shift work have specific rules for health and safety and compensation.

Pay and statutory allowances. As of 2024 Greece has a national minimum wage set by the state, and sectoral or company collective agreements may set higher rates. In the private sector, employees are typically entitled to a Christmas bonus, an Easter bonus, and a vacation allowance, subject to service periods and calculation rules.

Annual leave and public holidays. Paid annual leave increases with service. New hires accrue leave proportionally during the first year, then receive a full entitlement which rises with seniority. Greece observes national public holidays that are paid days off for most employees unless lawful exceptions apply.

Leave for family and personal reasons. Greek law provides maternity leave, paternity leave, individual parental leave, childcare leave or benefits in some cases, marriage or partnership leave, bereavement leave, caregiver leave, and protections for pregnant and new parents. DYPA and EFKA administer certain benefits connected to these leaves.

Health and safety. Employers must assess workplace risks, provide training and equipment, keep prevention plans, and report occupational accidents to authorities and EFKA. Employees have the right to a safe workplace and to stop work in serious and imminent danger.

Equal treatment and anti harassment. Greek laws prohibit discrimination based on sex, pregnancy, family status, race or ethnic origin, religion, disability, age, sexual orientation, and other protected characteristics. Law 4808-2021 introduced obligations to prevent and address violence and harassment at work, with internal policies required for larger employers.

Termination of employment. Dismissals must be in writing, registered in ERGANI, and comply with notice and severance rules for open ended contracts. Certain categories enjoy special protection such as pregnant employees, employees on parental leave, trade union representatives, and employees close to retirement, subject to conditions. Immediate termination for serious misconduct requires solid grounds and proper procedure. Resignations should also be documented in ERGANI.

Collective redundancies. If an employer plans large layoffs above statutory thresholds, a consultation and notification process with employee representatives and authorities applies before dismissals can proceed.

Data protection and monitoring. Employee data and any monitoring tools must comply with GDPR and Greek data protection guidance, with transparency and proportionality.

Unions and representation. Employees have the right to form and join unions, elect representatives, and bargain collectively. Works councils may be established in larger workplaces.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the basic employment rights I have in Thivais

You have the national rights guaranteed by Greek law, including a written record of employment terms, payment of wages at least at the legal minimum or collective rate, regulated working hours, paid annual leave and public holidays, health and safety protections, non discrimination and anti harassment protections, and lawful termination procedures with notice and severance where applicable.

What is the minimum wage in Greece

Greece sets a national minimum wage by government decision. As of 2024 the gross monthly minimum was increased compared to 2023. Because rates change, ask your employer for the current figure or verify with the Ministry of Labor or the Hellenic Labor Inspectorate. Sectoral agreements may grant higher pay.

How many hours can I be asked to work and how is overtime paid

The typical full time schedule is 40 hours per week. Extra hours require prior recording in ERGANI and attract premium pay according to law and any applicable collective agreement. There are yearly limits and stricter premiums for exceeding them. Work on Sundays, nights, and public holidays is restricted and usually paid at higher rates or compensated with time off.

Am I entitled to Christmas, Easter, and vacation bonuses

In the private sector most employees are entitled to a Christmas bonus, an Easter bonus, and a vacation allowance if they have worked during the relevant period. The exact amounts and pro rating depend on your pay structure and service in the reference period.

How much paid annual leave do I get

You accrue paid annual leave from the start of employment. After completing your first year you are typically entitled to a full annual allocation, which increases with seniority up to a statutory maximum. Employers must schedule leave in consultation with you and cannot replace it with cash except when employment ends.

What protections exist if I am dismissed

Dismissal must be in writing, registered in ERGANI, and accompanied by statutory notice or severance depending on your length of service and the reason. Dismissals cannot be abusive or discriminatory, and special protections apply to certain categories such as pregnant employees and union representatives. You are entitled to receive all final pay and certificates.

How quickly must I act if I believe my dismissal was unlawful

Deadlines can be short. Challenges to a dismissal generally must be filed within a few months, while wage claims often have longer limitation periods that can reach several years. To protect your rights, speak with a lawyer immediately and keep all documents related to the termination.

What can I do about unpaid wages or social insurance contributions

Collect payslips, timesheets, messages, and ERGANI records, raise the issue in writing with your employer, and if needed file a complaint with the Hellenic Labor Inspectorate or bring a court claim. A lawyer can calculate what is owed and seek default interest and penalties. You can also check your EFKA record to confirm contributions.

What are my rights around pregnancy, paternity, and parental leave

Greek law grants maternity leave, paternity leave, and individual parental leave with income support for certain periods through DYPA. Employees returning from such leaves have protection from unfavorable treatment. Consult your HR and a lawyer to coordinate the timing, pay, and benefits that apply to your situation.

How do I report workplace harassment or unsafe conditions

Record what happened, save messages, identify witnesses, and report to your employer using any internal policy or grievance channel. For serious or unresolved cases, contact the Hellenic Labor Inspectorate. In urgent danger, stop work and seek immediate assistance. A lawyer can help you request protective measures and compensation.

Additional Resources

Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs.

Hellenic Labor Inspectorate. Regional departments serve Central Greece and Boeotia including Thivais.

EFKA Unified Social Security Fund.

DYPA Public Employment Service.

Organization for Mediation and Arbitration OMED for collective labor disputes.

Greek Ombudsman for equal treatment and discrimination issues.

General Confederation of Greek Workers GSEE and sector unions active in Boeotia.

Bar Association of Thebes for referrals to local employment lawyers and mediators.

Citizens Service Centers KEP in Thivais for guidance on documents and public services.

Next Steps

Clarify your issue and urgency. Write down what is happening and what you want to achieve, such as reinstatement, payment of wages, or a negotiated exit.

Collect key documents. Gather contracts or offer letters, ERGANI registrations or screenshots, payslips, time records, schedules, emails or messages, internal policies, medical certificates, and your EFKA insurance statement.

Keep a contemporaneous record. Maintain a dated log of hours worked, events, and conversations. Back up files from personal devices if allowed by policy and law.

Seek early guidance. Speak with your union representative if applicable, or request an internal meeting with HR. For serious issues such as harassment, retaliation, or safety risks, consider contacting the Hellenic Labor Inspectorate.

Consult a local employment lawyer in Thivais. Ask about experience, strategy, timetable, and fees. Bring your documents to an initial consultation and discuss any short deadlines. Some claims have very short filing periods while wage related claims often have longer periods.

Consider settlement and alternatives. Your lawyer can pursue negotiation, mediation, or filing a claim in the competent court in Boeotia using the special labor procedure. Follow legal advice on communications and do not sign any agreement you do not fully understand.

Laws change. Minimum wage, leave benefits, and procedures are updated periodically. Verify current rules before making decisions.