Best Employment Rights Lawyers in Xanthi

About Employment Rights Law in Xanthi, Greece

Employment rights in Xanthi are governed primarily by Greek national labour law and by European Union rules where applicable. Whether you work for a private employer, a public authority, a small local business or an international company operating in Xanthi, the same core rights apply - a written or implied contract of employment, lawful pay, limits on working hours, paid leave, social insurance contributions, workplace health and safety, protection from unlawful discrimination and rules on dismissal and severance. Local practice and enforcement take place through regional offices of national agencies and local courts in the wider Xanthi area. Public sector employees and specific regulated professions may have additional rules or collective agreements that affect their terms.

Why You May Need a Lawyer

Employment disputes can be complex - they often involve interpretation of written contracts, statutory protections, collective agreements and procedural rules for dismissal and claims. You may need a lawyer if you face any of the following situations:

- Unpaid wages, unpaid overtime, withheld benefits or disputed pay calculations.

- Dismissal, redundancy, or suspension you believe is unfair or unlawful.

- Discrimination, harassment or victimisation at work tied to gender, age, disability, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation or trade union activity.

- Contract disputes - unclear or broken terms, misclassification as an independent contractor, or disputes over fixed-term versus permanent status.

- Health and safety breaches that caused injury or place you at risk and where your employer failed to act.

- Collective issues involving trade unions, works councils or mass redundancies.

- Complex claims that require evidence gathering, formal complaint drafting, negotiation, or representation in mediation and court.

Even where rights may be clear, a specialised employment lawyer helps calculate remedies, meet strict deadlines and present your case effectively to the Labour Inspectorate or a court.

Local Laws Overview

Key legal aspects to know in Xanthi reflect the national framework and regional enforcement:

- Contracts - Employment may be governed by written contracts, collective agreements or statutory terms. Written terms reduce disputes and are often required for specific arrangements.

- Pay and social insurance - Minimum wage, overtime rates and employer social insurance contributions are set at national level. Employers must register employees with the social security authority and make contributions to EFKA or other statutory schemes.

- Working hours and rest - National law sets maximum working hours, daily and weekly rest periods and rules for overtime and night work. Sectoral or collective agreements can modify some terms within legal limits.

- Leave entitlements - Paid annual leave, maternity and paternity leave, sick leave and public holidays are protected by law. Eligibility and durations depend on employment status and length of service.

- Dismissal and notice - Employers must follow lawful procedures for termination, provide required notice or pay in lieu, and in many cases justify dismissals with objective reasons. Unfair dismissal claims can lead to reinstatement or compensation depending on the facts and the applicable rules.

- Collective rights - Trade unions and collective bargaining agreements play an important role in many sectors. Collective dismissals are subject to special consultation rules.

- Health and safety - Employers have statutory duties to ensure safe working conditions and comply with inspections by the labour inspectorate.

- Enforcement and remedies - Employment claims may be brought to the Labour Inspectorate for administrative enforcement, or to courts for civil remedies. There are time limits for many claims, so acting promptly is essential.

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I do if my employer does not pay my wages?

First gather evidence - pay slips, bank statements, contracts, written communications and timesheets. Raise the issue in writing with your employer and keep a copy. If unpaid wages are not resolved, you can file a formal complaint with the local Labour Inspectorate and pursue a civil claim in court. Speaking to an employment lawyer will help you calculate exact amounts and meet procedural deadlines.

Can my employer dismiss me without any reason?

No. Employers must follow legal procedures and notice requirements and must not dismiss employees for unlawful reasons such as pregnancy, trade union activity, race, religion, disability or other protected characteristics. Summary dismissal is only lawful for serious misconduct that justifies immediate termination. If you believe your dismissal was unfair or discriminatory, seek legal advice quickly.

How long do I have to bring an employment claim?

There are strict time limits for different types of employment claims. Deadlines vary depending on the claim - for example unpaid wages, unlawful dismissal or discrimination claims each have their own limitation periods. Because time limits are strict and may be short, you should seek advice as soon as possible after the event.

Do I need a written contract?

Although some employment arrangements can be oral, a written contract provides clarity on pay, hours, duties and other essential terms and can be required by law for certain types of employment. If you do not have a written contract, try to obtain written confirmation of key terms and keep records of hours worked and communications.

What rights do I have during probation?

Probationary periods allow employers to assess suitability, but employees retain core legal protections during probation - including the right to lawful pay, social insurance and protection from discrimination. Dismissal during probation must still comply with statutory and contractual notice requirements unless otherwise lawfully terminated for gross misconduct.

How is redundancy handled in Greece?

Redundancy or collective dismissals require objective justification and compliance with procedural rules, including consultation with employees or trade unions in some cases. Compensation and notice obligations depend on length of service and the applicable collective agreement or national rules. Legal advice is recommended before agreeing to redundancy terms.

Can I claim for workplace discrimination or harassment?

Yes. Discrimination and harassment on prohibited grounds are unlawful. You should keep detailed records of incidents, report internally where appropriate, and consider filing a complaint with the employer, the Labour Inspectorate or bringing a court claim. Remedies can include compensation, reinstatement or injunctive orders depending on the case.

What should I do if I am injured at work?

Seek immediate medical attention and record the incident. Notify your employer in writing and keep copies of medical reports and correspondence. Workplace injuries may trigger employer liability, workers compensation procedures and social security benefits. Report serious safety breaches to the Labour Inspectorate and consult a lawyer if liability or compensation is disputed.

Are trade unions active in Xanthi and how can they help?

Trade unions operate across Greece and can provide advice, representation and collective bargaining power. Local unions or sectoral associations in Xanthi can assist with workplace disputes, negotiations and collective claims. If you are a member, check your union for specific support services and legal assistance.

Do I have to go to court to resolve an employment dispute?

Not always. Many disputes are resolved through negotiation, internal grievance procedures, mediation or administrative complaints to the Labour Inspectorate. However, where settlement fails you may need to initiate court proceedings. A lawyer can advise whether alternative dispute resolution is possible and represent you in court if needed.

Additional Resources

Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs - central government department responsible for national labour policy and regulations.

Hellenic Labour Inspectorate - regional offices handle inspections, administrative complaints and enforcement of labour and health and safety rules.

EFKA - the national social security authority for contributions, unemployment and sickness benefit matters.

OAED - national employment agency managing unemployment benefits and local employment services.

Local trade unions and sector associations in Xanthi - for collective support and representation.

Xanthi Bar Association - for lists of licensed local lawyers specialising in employment law.

Greek Ombudsman - can consider complaints related to public sector employment and discrimination issues in certain cases.

Next Steps

1. Collect and preserve evidence - save contracts, payslips, emails, timesheets, medical reports and any written communications. Keep a dated record of incidents and conversations.

2. Try internal resolution - raise the issue in writing with your manager or HR and use any internal grievance procedure. This is often required before external steps.

3. Contact enforcement bodies - if internal remedies fail, file a complaint with the local Labour Inspectorate or relevant governmental body for administrative action.

4. Seek legal advice - contact a local employment lawyer or the Xanthi Bar Association for an initial consultation. A lawyer will assess strengths, calculate remedies, advise on deadlines and represent you in negotiations, mediation or court.

5. Consider alternative dispute resolution - mediation or settlement can be faster and less costly than court. Discuss options with your lawyer.

6. Act promptly - time limits apply to many employment claims. Even if you are unsure, an early consultation will help protect your rights.

Note - This guide provides general information and not legal advice. For advice tailored to your situation consult a qualified employment lawyer in Xanthi.