Best Hiring & Firing Lawyers in Melissia

About Hiring & Firing Law in Melissia, Greece

Hiring and firing in Melissia follows the national labor law framework of Greece, influenced by European Union standards and local collective agreements where applicable. Employers and employees in Melissia - a suburb of Athens - must comply with Greek employment rules on contracts, wages, working time, social insurance and health and safety. Local practice is shaped by national ministries and enforcement bodies based in Athens, so procedures and remedies available to workers and employers in Melissia are the same as elsewhere in Greece.

This guide summarizes the main issues people commonly face when hiring, managing or terminating employment in Melissia, and explains when it is important to consult a lawyer who specialises in Greek labour law.

Why You May Need a Lawyer

Employment disputes often involve technical rules, tight deadlines and significant financial consequences. You may need a lawyer in the following situations:

- You face or anticipate dismissal and want to know whether it is lawful, and what remedies are available.

- You are an employer planning redundancies, restructuring or dismissal and need to follow legal procedures to reduce the risk of claims.

- You need help drafting or reviewing employment contracts, policies or handbooks to ensure compliance with Greek law and collective agreements.

- You have a disagreement about wages, overtime, holiday pay, social insurance contributions or other employment benefits.

- You are coping with discrimination, harassment, maternity or sickness protections, or need advice about reasonable accommodations.

- You need representation before the Labour Inspectorate, administrative authorities or labour courts.

Local Laws Overview

Key aspects of Greek employment law relevant in Melissia include the following general principles:

- Contract types - Employment can be permanent, fixed-term, part-time, seasonal or through agencies. Contracts should specify job duties, pay, working hours and basic terms. Certain categories require written documentation and confirmation of employment conditions.

- Working time and remuneration - National rules regulate maximum working hours, rest periods, overtime, and minimum wage standards. Collective agreements and specific sector rules may provide enhanced protections or different arrangements.

- Social insurance and payroll obligations - Employers must register employees with the national social security system and make the required employer and employee contributions for pensions, health care and other benefits. Payroll withholdings and tax reporting are mandatory.

- Health and safety - Employers must comply with workplace health and safety obligations and carry out risk assessments, provide training and take protective measures.

- Termination and notice - Dismissal is generally permitted for objective business reasons or conduct-related reasons but must respect procedural and substantive protections. Notice periods, severance entitlements and formal requirements differ depending on contract type, length of service and applicable collective agreements.

- Unfair dismissal and remedies - Employees who consider their dismissal unfair can bring claims before labour courts. Remedies may include reinstatement, compensation or damages, depending on the circumstances and the court decision.

- Collective redundancies and consultations - Large scale dismissals trigger consultation obligations with employee representatives and, in some cases, notification to the competent authorities.

Frequently Asked Questions

What types of employment contracts are commonly used in Melissia?

Employers commonly use permanent contracts, fixed-term contracts for temporary needs, part-time contracts, seasonal contracts for peak periods and agency or secondment arrangements. The contract should set out essential terms - working hours, pay, place of work and duration if fixed-term. Sectoral collective agreements can change standard terms for particular industries.

Do I need a written contract to be legally employed?

While oral agreements may create an employment relationship, a written contract is strongly recommended and often required for specific contract types. A written contract provides clarity on rights and obligations and is useful evidence in disputes. Many employers in Greece provide written contracts at the start of employment.

What are the employer obligations for social security and payroll?

Employers must register employees with the national social security authority, make the necessary employer and employee contributions, withhold income tax and report payroll information to the tax and social security authorities. Failure to meet these obligations can result in fines, back payments and criminal exposure in serious cases.

Can I be dismissed without cause?

Dismissal without cause is possible in some circumstances, but employers must comply with notice, severance and procedural requirements. Dismissals based on prohibited reasons - such as discrimination, pregnancy, trade union activity or exercise of statutory rights - are unlawful and can give rise to legal claims. The precise protections and remedies depend on the facts and the applicable law or collective agreement.

What should I do if I think my dismissal was unfair?

If you believe your dismissal was unfair, preserve all documentation - contracts, pay slips, termination letter, emails and any warnings. Seek legal advice promptly, as time limits apply for bringing claims. A lawyer can advise on whether to pursue a claim in the labour courts, seek reinstatement, or negotiate a settlement.

Are there statutory notice periods and severance payments?

Notice periods and severance entitlements depend on length of service, contract terms and whether collective agreements alter the statutory rules. Employers should provide clear written notice or payment in lieu of notice when terminating a contract, and may be required to pay severance where the law or agreement provides for it. Specific calculations can be technical, so consult a lawyer or payroll specialist for accurate figures.

What happens in collective redundancies or business restructuring?

Collective redundancies trigger special obligations including consultation with employee representatives, notification to the competent authorities and compliance with selection criteria. Procedures aim to explore alternatives to dismissal and mitigate adverse effects. Failure to follow the required process can render dismissals invalid or expose the employer to liability.

Can I be dismissed while on sick leave or maternity leave?

Dismissals during sickness or maternity leave are subject to heightened protection and may be unlawful if based on the protected condition. Employers should exercise caution and obtain legal advice before taking disciplinary or dismissal measures involving employees on protected leave.

How long do I have to bring a labour claim?

Limitation periods apply to employment claims and can vary by claim type. Some claims must be brought within months or a few years from the date of the dispute. Because time limits can be strict, it is important to act quickly and consult a lawyer as soon as possible after a dispute arises.

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

Not always. Many disputes are resolved through negotiation, mediation, conciliation or settlement agreements. Some matters can be raised first with the Labour Inspectorate or administrative bodies. If negotiations fail, a lawyer can advise whether court proceedings are necessary and represent you in the labour courts.

Additional Resources

Useful institutions and authorities you may consult for information and assistance include national bodies that operate across Greece. In Melissia specifically, services and offices are administered from Athens. Consider contacting the following types of organisations for guidance and support:

- The Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs for general employment policy and official guidance.

- The Labour Inspectorate for complaints about working conditions, unpaid wages and breaches of labour law.

- The national social security authority for questions on registration, contributions and benefits.

- The national employment agency for workforce support, hiring incentives and training programmes.

- The local Bar Association for lists of qualified labour law lawyers, especially if you need representation in courts.

- Trade unions and employer associations for sector-specific advice and collective agreement information.

Next Steps

If you need legal assistance with hiring or firing in Melissia, follow these practical steps:

- Gather documents - employment contract, pay slips, termination notices, correspondence, personnel files and any evidence supporting your position.

- Note important dates - date of dismissal, dates of warnings, sick leave, maternity leave or any deadlines communicated to you.

- Seek an initial consultation with a lawyer who specialises in Greek labour law. Choose a lawyer who is familiar with local practice in the Athens region and who can explain options in plain language.

- Consider immediate remedies - a lawyer can advise on interim steps to protect rights, such as filing a complaint with the Labour Inspectorate or negotiating a settlement.

- If you are an employer, get legal input before implementing dismissals, redundancies or disciplinary procedures to reduce the risk of costly claims.

Employment disputes are often time sensitive. Acting promptly, documenting everything and working with an experienced local lawyer will give you the best chance of a favourable outcome.