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This guide explains how job discrimination is treated in Elliniko, a municipality in the Athens metropolitan area, and how national and European rules apply to people working or looking for work there. Job discrimination law in Greece is based on the Greek Constitution, national labour and civil law and on European Union equal-treatment directives that Greece has incorporated into its legal system. These rules protect employees and applicants in both the private and public sectors from unfair treatment on grounds such as sex, race, nationality, religion, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, pregnancy, trade-union membership and political beliefs.
Protection covers the entire employment relationship - recruitment, terms and conditions, pay, promotions, training, disciplinary measures and dismissals. Prohibited conduct includes direct and indirect discrimination, harassment and victimisation for having complained about discrimination. If you believe you have been discriminated against while working in or applying for a job in Elliniko, you can pursue remedies through administrative channels, equality bodies and the labour courts.
Many situations in the workplace benefit from legal advice and representation. A lawyer can help if you are dealing with:
- Unfair dismissal or constructive dismissal that you believe was motivated by a protected characteristic.
- Ongoing harassment or hostile treatment at work that your employer has not stopped after you complained.
- Refusal by an employer to provide reasonable accommodation for a disability, pregnancy or religious practice.
- Unequal pay or denied promotion where similar colleagues are treated better for no objective reason.
- Retaliation after you raised a discrimination complaint internally or with a public body.
- Complex evidence situations where you need to build a persuasive case - for example where discrimination is subtle or indirect.
- Negotiating settlements - a lawyer can calculate likely compensation, advise on non-disclosure clauses and secure better terms.
- Starting a claim in front of SEPE, the Greek Ombudsman or the Labour Court - lawyers know procedure, time limits and local practice in Athens courts that serve Elliniko.
Key points you should know about the law that applies in Elliniko:
- Sources of law: Constitutional equality principles, Greek national legislation implementing EU equal-treatment directives, the Civil Code and labour law provisions apply. EU rules on equal treatment and non-discrimination also influence national practice.
- Protected grounds: Typical protected characteristics include sex, race, colour, national or ethnic origin, religion or belief, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, pregnancy and trade-union or political activity.
- Types of prohibited conduct: Direct discrimination - treating someone worse because of a protected characteristic. Indirect discrimination - apparently neutral rules or practices that disproportionately disadvantage a protected group. Harassment - unwanted conduct related to a protected ground that violates dignity or creates an intimidating environment. Victimisation - treating someone badly because they complained about discrimination or supported another complainant.
- Employer obligations: Employers must avoid discriminatory practices in recruitment, contracts, pay, promotions and dismissals. They must take reasonable steps to prevent harassment and, where appropriate, provide reasonable accommodation for disabilities or other protected needs unless this would impose a disproportionate burden.
- Burden of proof: The law often follows a two-step approach - the claimant must establish facts from which discrimination could be presumed. Once that threshold is reached, the employer must provide a legitimate, non-discriminatory explanation for the treatment.
- Remedies and sanctions: Remedies can include reinstatement, rescission of unlawful disciplinary measures, compensation for economic and non-economic damage, and administrative fines imposed by inspectorates. Labour courts and administrative bodies can order corrective measures. In serious cases involving hate-motivated violence or incitement, criminal law may apply.
- Procedures and routes: You can seek remedies through internal grievance procedures, the Labour Inspectorate (SEPE), the Greek Ombudsman and the Labour and Social Security Courts. Administrative complaints and mediation are often possible before court proceedings. Time limits for taking action can be short - for many labour claims prompt action is essential.
- Practical note for non-Greek speakers: Proceedings and official documents are usually in Greek. If you are not fluent, seek interpreters or a lawyer who can assist with translations and communication.
Job discrimination occurs when an employer or co-worker treats you less favourably because of a protected characteristic - for example rejecting your job application because of your nationality, refusing maternity-related leave, denying reasonable accommodation for a disability, subjecting you to sexual harassment, or applying neutral rules that disproportionately harm a protected group.
Write down what happened as soon as possible - dates, times, places, people involved, witnesses and what was said or done. Preserve documents - emails, texts, performance reviews and any notices. If safe to do so, raise the matter in writing with your line manager or HR and keep a copy of your complaint. Early evidence and a written record strengthen any later claim.
Using an internal grievance procedure is often recommended and can be required by employment contracts or collective agreements. It can also create a documented record of your complaint. However, if internal procedures are ineffective or would expose you to more harm, you can pursue external routes such as the Labour Inspectorate, the Ombudsman or the labour courts. Talk to a lawyer or a union representative about the best strategy for your case.
Common public channels include the Labour Inspectorate (the authority that inspects workplaces and enforces labour law), the Greek Ombudsman (which handles complaints about public and private administration and can examine discrimination cases), and the Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs. Trade unions and specialised equality bodies also provide advice and support.
Time limits vary depending on the type of claim and the forum you choose. Some administrative complaints and labour claims must be started within months rather than years. Because deadlines differ and can be strict, seek advice promptly. A lawyer can tell you the precise limitation period that applies to your situation.
Possible remedies include reinstatement to your job, annulment of unlawful disciplinary measures, monetary compensation for lost earnings and moral damage, and orders for corrective workplace measures. Administrative fines may be imposed on employers by inspection bodies. The exact remedy depends on the facts and the forum hearing your case.
Yes. Victimisation or retaliation for making a complaint about discrimination is itself unlawful. Legal protection covers measures such as demotion, dismissal, reduced hours or hostile treatment after a complaint. Document any retaliation and get legal advice quickly to preserve your rights.
Useful evidence includes written communications, witness statements, performance appraisals, copies of job adverts and selection criteria, payroll records, medical or disability documentation, and records of internal complaints. Patterns of treatment compared with similarly situated colleagues can also be important to show indirect discrimination.
Yes. Most anti-discrimination protections apply to a wide range of employment relationships, including part-time, temporary and agency workers. The specific procedures or collective agreements in place can affect how a claim is pursued, so seek advice tailored to your employment status.
Legal advice is highly recommended in complex or contested discrimination cases. A lawyer helps assess strength of the claim, identify the right forum, prepare evidence and represent you in negotiations or court. Costs vary - some lawyers offer a fixed fee for initial advice, contingency arrangements in specific situations, or hourly rates. Trade unions, legal clinics and some NGOs may offer free or low-cost assistance depending on circumstances.
When seeking help in Elliniko consider these resources:
- Labour Inspectorate - the national authority responsible for enforcement of labour rights and workplace inspections.
- Greek Ombudsman - handles complaints about administrative action and can examine discrimination matters.
- Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs - sets policy and provides guidance on employment rights.
- Local labour and social security courts - where employment disputes and compensation claims are decided.
- Trade unions and worker associations - provide advice, representation and support during disputes.
- Equality and anti-discrimination NGOs - local and national organisations that offer guidance and sometimes legal support to victims of discrimination.
- European Union equality resources and national guides - for broader information about EU non-discrimination standards that apply in Greece.
Follow this practical sequence if you believe you have experienced job discrimination in Elliniko:
- Document everything - keep detailed notes and preserve emails, messages and records of incidents.
- Check internal policies - review your employment contract, staff handbook and any workplace grievance procedure and follow them if it is safe and appropriate.
- Seek immediate advice - contact your trade union, an equality NGO or a specialised labour lawyer for an early case assessment.
- Consider making an internal written complaint - this can create an official record and give the employer a chance to resolve the issue.
- File an administrative complaint if needed - the Labour Inspectorate or the Ombudsman can investigate and may offer remedies or guidance.
- Keep time limits in mind - consult a lawyer quickly to ensure you do not miss deadlines for filing claims in court.
- Explore settlement or mediation - many disputes resolve through negotiation. A lawyer can help you evaluate offers and protect your interests.
- Prepare for litigation if necessary - if conciliation fails, a lawyer will help you file a claim in the appropriate labour court and represent you at hearings.
Getting professional legal advice early improves your chances of a positive outcome. Even if you are unsure whether discrimination occurred, an initial consultation with a lawyer or an experienced adviser will clarify your options and the practical best steps to protect your rights in Elliniko.
