Best Job Discrimination Lawyers in Arta

About Job Discrimination Law in Arta, Greece

Job discrimination in Arta is unlawful and refers to any unfavorable treatment of a worker or job applicant because of a protected characteristic or because they exercised a lawful right. The law applies to all stages of employment - job ads, interviews, hiring, contract terms, pay and benefits, training, promotion, transfers, performance management, discipline, and dismissal. It also covers harassment, a hostile work environment, and retaliation against someone who complained or assisted an investigation.

Residents of Arta can enforce their rights through the Hellenic Labour Inspectorate, the Greek Ombudsman for equal treatment matters, and the civil courts that hear labor disputes. Remedies can include reinstatement after an unlawful dismissal, compensation for material and moral damages, correction of pay or benefits, and administrative fines on employers.

This guide gives a practical overview to help you recognize potential discrimination and understand the main steps to protect your rights in Arta.

Why You May Need a Lawyer

You may need legal help when you suspect that you were treated differently at work because of race or ethnic origin, religion or belief, disability, age, sex, pregnancy or maternity, gender identity or characteristics, sexual orientation, family status, or trade union activity. Common examples include discriminatory interview questions, rejection or lower pay because of protected characteristics, glass ceiling or unfair promotion criteria, bullying or sexual harassment, refusal to provide reasonable accommodation for a disability, retaliation after reporting misconduct, or dismissal linked to pregnancy, union membership, or whistleblowing.

A lawyer can assess whether facts point to discrimination, advise on the best forum in Arta or elsewhere in Greece, preserve key deadlines, draft complaints to the Hellenic Labour Inspectorate or the Greek Ombudsman, negotiate with your employer, gather and present evidence under the burden of proof rules, and represent you in court for compensation or reinstatement. Early legal advice often improves outcomes because employment disputes can have short time limits and sensitive evidentiary issues.

Local Laws Overview

Equal treatment is a constitutional principle in Greece and is detailed in specific employment and anti discrimination laws. The key frameworks that apply in Arta include the following.

Law 4443-2016 on equal treatment - This law implements EU anti discrimination directives and prohibits direct and indirect discrimination, harassment, instruction to discriminate, and retaliation in employment on grounds such as race or ethnic origin, religion or belief, disability, age, and sexual orientation. It provides for a shift of the burden of proof once facts suggest discrimination.

Law 3896-2010 and Law 4604-2019 on gender equality - These protect equal treatment of men and women in employment, including equal pay for equal work or work of equal value, pregnancy and maternity protection, and prohibition of sexual harassment. Dismissal because of pregnancy or maternity is generally null and void unless the employer proves a serious reason unrelated to the pregnancy.

Law 4808-2021 on labor protection and the Hellenic Labour Inspectorate - This law defines violence and harassment at work, requires employers to prevent and address it, and sets internal policy obligations for employers that typically have 20 or more employees. It established the Hellenic Labour Inspectorate as an independent authority to investigate complaints, mediate, and impose administrative sanctions.

Law 4488-2017 and the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities - Employers must provide reasonable accommodation to qualified workers with disabilities unless it would impose a disproportionate burden. Failure to accommodate can be unlawful discrimination.

Law 1264-1982 on trade union rights - Protects union membership and activities. Adverse treatment for union involvement can amount to unlawful discrimination and anti union practice.

Procedural principles - In discrimination disputes, once the employee presents facts that could indicate discrimination, the burden shifts to the employer to prove that the treatment was lawful. Victimization for making a complaint or supporting another person is prohibited. Employees can seek reinstatement in cases of null dismissal, unpaid wages and differences in pay, compensation for moral harm, and orders to cease discriminatory practices. The Hellenic Labour Inspectorate can investigate locally in Arta and issue fines or corrective orders.

Deadlines - Employment disputes can involve short time limits. As a general guide, challenges to the validity of a dismissal often have a short deadline, commonly within months of the termination, while wage and tort claims may have multi year limitation periods. Because specific time limits can vary by claim type, get legal advice promptly to avoid losing rights.

Frequently Asked Questions

What counts as job discrimination under Greek law

Discrimination is unlawful unfavorable treatment because of a protected characteristic. It can be direct, such as refusing to hire someone because of pregnancy, or indirect, such as a neutral rule that disadvantages a protected group without a legitimate and proportionate reason. Harassment that creates a hostile environment and instructions to others to discriminate are also prohibited.

Which characteristics are protected

Greek law protects against discrimination on grounds including sex, pregnancy and maternity, race or ethnic origin, religion or belief, disability, age, sexual orientation, and gender identity or characteristics. Trade union activity is protected by labor law. Equal treatment also covers forms of work such as part time or fixed term arrangements.

Does the law apply to small businesses in Arta

Yes. The equal treatment rules apply regardless of employer size. Some employer obligations, such as adopting a written anti violence and harassment policy, typically apply to employers with 20 or more employees, but the core prohibitions on discrimination and harassment apply to all.

Is harassment at work the same as discrimination

Harassment related to a protected characteristic and sexual harassment are forms of discrimination. The law also prohibits workplace violence and harassment more broadly. Employers must prevent, investigate, and address such behavior and protect workers from retaliation.

Are interview questions about marital status or plans to have children lawful

No. Questions that aim to reveal protected characteristics, such as pregnancy, marital status, or religion, are generally inappropriate and can be evidence of discriminatory intent if you are rejected for the job.

Can an employer dismiss a pregnant employee

Dismissal due to pregnancy or maternity is generally null and void. The employer would have to prove a serious reason unrelated to the pregnancy. If a dismissal is null, the court can order reinstatement and back pay.

What if my employer refuses a reasonable accommodation for my disability

Employers must provide reasonable accommodation to enable a qualified worker with disabilities to perform essential duties, unless it would impose a disproportionate burden. Denial without proper assessment can be unlawful. Document your request, the medical or functional needs, and any proposed solutions.

How do I prove discrimination

Keep evidence such as job ads, emails, messages, performance reviews, comparators showing differences in pay or treatment, witness names, and notes of incidents. Under Greek law, if you present facts that indicate discrimination, the burden shifts to your employer to justify their actions. The Hellenic Labour Inspectorate can also help gather evidence.

Where do I file a complaint in Arta

You can submit a complaint to the Hellenic Labour Inspectorate for investigation and mediation. You can also address equal treatment matters to the Greek Ombudsman. For damages, reinstatement, or court orders, you file a lawsuit before the competent labor court. A local lawyer can guide you through the correct forum and sequence.

What remedies are available

Possible remedies include correction of pay or benefits, compensation for material loss and moral harm, reinstatement after a null dismissal, orders to cease discriminatory practices, and administrative fines on the employer. In severe cases, criminal provisions may be relevant, for example in cases of violence.

How long do I have to act

Some claims have short deadlines, especially challenges to a dismissal, while wage differences and tort based claims often have longer limitation periods. Because time limits vary, seek legal advice immediately. Filing an early complaint with the Hellenic Labour Inspectorate can also help preserve evidence and your position.

Can my employer retaliate if I complain

No. Retaliation for making a good faith complaint, participating in an investigation, or supporting a colleague is prohibited. Retaliatory actions, such as demotion or dismissal, can be annulled and may lead to additional compensation.

Additional Resources

Hellenic Labour Inspectorate - Arta Regional Department - Investigates workplace discrimination and harassment, conducts mediations, and can impose administrative sanctions.

Greek Ombudsman - Equal Treatment - Independent authority that examines complaints about discrimination and can issue findings and recommendations.

Court of First Instance of Arta - Labor section - Handles employment disputes, including discrimination and dismissal cases.

Arta Bar Association - Can help you find a local lawyer experienced in labor and discrimination law.

Public Employment Service DYPA - Arta - Provides employment support and guidance to job seekers who may have faced discrimination.

Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs - Department for Equal Opportunities - Issues guidance on equal treatment, harassment prevention, and workplace policies.

National Confederation of Disabled People - Regional support for persons with disabilities on reasonable accommodation and workplace inclusion.

Labour Center of Arta - Local workers organization that can provide assistance and refer you to union or legal support.

KEPEA GSEE Workers Information Center - Practical information for employees on rights, pay, and discrimination.

Legal Aid under Law 3226-2004 - Low income individuals may qualify for state funded legal assistance in civil and labor cases.

Next Steps

Write a clear timeline - Note dates, people involved, what happened, and any witnesses. Include job ads, interview notes, and performance records.

Preserve evidence - Save emails, messages, documents, screenshots, and photographs. Keep a contemporaneous diary of incidents of harassment or differential treatment.

Seek support - If available, use your employer’s internal complaint channel or ethics hotline, especially if your employer has 20 or more employees and a mandatory policy under Law 4808-2021. Consider speaking with your union or the Labour Center of Arta.

Consult a lawyer early - A local lawyer can assess your case, advise on deadlines, and plan the correct order of steps, such as filing with the Hellenic Labour Inspectorate, the Greek Ombudsman, or the court.

File an administrative complaint - Submit a complaint to the Hellenic Labour Inspectorate in Arta for investigation and mediation. This can lead to quick corrective measures and create an official record.

Consider court action - If negotiation or administrative steps do not resolve the issue, your lawyer may recommend filing a lawsuit for reinstatement, pay differences, and compensation.

Protect your health and safety - In cases of harassment or violence, seek medical support if needed, request interim protective measures, and avoid contact with the perpetrator where possible. Your employer must act to keep the workplace safe.

Watch the clock - Some claims, especially dismissal challenges, can have short filing windows measured in months. Act promptly to avoid losing rights.

Plan for confidentiality and retaliation risks - Keep your documents at home, not on company devices. If you face retaliation, inform your lawyer immediately and report it to the Hellenic Labour Inspectorate.

Disclaimer - This guide is for information only and is not legal advice. Laws and procedures can change and specific facts matter. For advice on your situation in Arta, consult a qualified lawyer.