Best Job Discrimination Lawyers in Nea Smyrni

About Job Discrimination Law in Nea Smyrni, Greece

Job discrimination occurs when an employer, colleague or public authority treats someone unfairly in employment or recruitment because of a protected characteristic - for example sex, race, nationality, religion, disability, age, sexual orientation, pregnancy or trade-union membership. In Nea Smyrni the legal framework is the same as the rest of Greece: national law that implements European Union equal-treatment directives, the Greek Constitution principle of equality and sectoral labour rules. Protections cover hiring, working conditions, pay, promotion, training, disciplinary measures and dismissal, and include protection from harassment and hostile work environment.

Why You May Need a Lawyer

Job-discrimination issues often involve complex legal standards, short deadlines and a need for careful evidence gathering. People commonly hire a lawyer when they face any of the following:

- Unlawful dismissal that appears to be linked to a protected characteristic.

- Sexual harassment or persistent bullying at work that the employer fails to stop.

- Refusal of reasonable accommodation for a disability or pregnancy-related needs.

- Unequal pay or promotion decisions that appear discriminatory.

- Retaliation after raising discrimination concerns or making a protected complaint.

A lawyer can advise on your rights, help collect and preserve evidence, represent you in internal procedures and before the labour inspectorate or courts, negotiate settlements, and explain remedies such as reinstatement, compensation or fines against an employer.

Local Laws Overview

Key legal aspects to keep in mind in Nea Smyrni are:

- Constitutional and statutory equality - The Greek Constitution affirms equality before the law, and domestic labour legislation implements EU anti-discrimination directives to protect employees and applicants.

- Protected grounds - Greek and EU law prohibit direct and indirect discrimination on grounds such as sex, race, nationality, religion, disability, age, sexual orientation, pregnancy and trade-union activity.

- Harassment and hostile environment - Repeated unwanted conduct connected to a protected ground can amount to unlawful harassment even if not targeted at a single identifiable act.

- Reasonable accommodation - Employers have a duty to consider reasonable adjustments for disabled employees and for pregnancy-related needs, unless doing so causes disproportionate hardship.

- Burden of proof - Under Greek and EU case law, if a claimant establishes facts from which discrimination can be presumed, the burden shifts to the employer to provide an objective and non-discriminatory explanation.

- Remedies and enforcement - Remedies can include compensation, reinstatement or amendment of employment terms, and administrative fines. Enforcement routes include internal complaint procedures, the State Labour Inspectorate, the Greek Ombudsman and civil or administrative courts. Criminal sanctions may apply in serious cases such as hate-motivated conduct.

- Time limits - Procedural deadlines apply for administrative complaints and court actions. These limits vary by procedure and claim type, so acting promptly is important.

Frequently Asked Questions

What counts as job discrimination?

Discrimination can be direct - treating someone less favourably because of a protected characteristic - or indirect - applying a neutral rule that disproportionately disadvantages a protected group. Harassment and refusal of reasonable accommodation are also forms of discrimination.

Who is protected under Greek discrimination law?

Employees, job applicants and certain contractors are protected. Protected characteristics include sex, race, nationality, religion, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity and pregnancy, as well as trade-union activity and other status protected by national or EU law.

What should I do first if I think I am being discriminated against at work?

Start by documenting events - dates, times, locations, people involved, witnesses and copies of relevant messages or documents. If your employer has a written grievance or equal-opportunities procedure, follow it and keep copies of what you submit. Contact your union, if any, and seek legal advice early to preserve rights and evidence.

Can my employer legally fire me for being pregnant?

No. Pregnancy and maternity are protected. Dismissal or discriminatory treatment connected to pregnancy, childbirth or maternity leave is unlawful. There are additional protections and special procedural requirements for dismissing pregnant employees and those on maternity leave.

How do I prove discrimination?

Proof can include written messages, witness statements, patterns of differential treatment, timing of adverse actions and any evidence showing less favourable treatment compared to others. Under the legal framework, once you show facts from which discrimination could be presumed, the employer must provide a non-discriminatory explanation.

How long do I have to file a complaint?

Time limits vary depending on the route you choose - internal grievance, labour inspectorate complaint or court action. Some deadlines can be relatively short, so seek advice quickly. A lawyer or union representative can tell you the precise time limits for your situation.

What remedies can I expect if discrimination is proven?

Possible remedies include financial compensation, reinstatement to a former position, correction of employment records, orders to stop discriminatory practices and administrative fines for the employer. In severe cases criminal sanctions may be pursued if the conduct meets criminal law thresholds.

Should I file with the Labour Inspectorate or go straight to court?

Both options are available and not mutually exclusive in many cases. The State Labour Inspectorate handles workplace complaints, inspections and administrative enforcement. If you seek compensation or reinstatement you may need a court process. An experienced lawyer can advise which path is best for your circumstances.

Will my employer retaliate if I complain?

Retaliation for raising discrimination claims is itself unlawful. If you suffer adverse treatment after a complaint, that may form the basis for an additional claim. Document any retaliatory acts and report them promptly to your union, lawyer or the labour inspectorate.

What if I cannot afford a lawyer?

Legal aid and pro bono assistance may be available depending on your income and the case. The Athens Bar Association and local bar associations can provide information about legal aid and lawyer referrals. Some trade unions and civil-society organizations also offer support in discrimination cases.

Additional Resources

Useful bodies and organizations to contact or research include:

- The State Labour Inspectorate (responsible for labour inspections and enforcement).

- The Greek Ombudsman (for complaints about public administration, including some employment matters).

- The Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs (policy and guidance on employment rights).

- The Athens Bar Association - for lawyer referrals and information on legal aid eligibility.

- Municipal social services and citizens advice centres in Nea Smyrni - for practical assistance and local referrals.

- Trade unions relevant to your sector - for representation and advice.

- National and EU equality bodies and human-rights organizations - for background information and guidance on anti-discrimination standards.

Next Steps

If you believe you are experiencing job discrimination in Nea Smyrni, consider the following step-by-step approach:

- Record everything - keep a dated file of incidents, communications and witnesses.

- Check your employer's internal grievance or equal-opportunities procedure and follow it if appropriate.

- Contact your trade union or employee representative for support and representation.

- Seek an initial legal consultation with a lawyer experienced in Greek labour and anti-discrimination law - bring all your documents and a timeline.

- Consider filing a complaint with the State Labour Inspectorate or the Greek Ombudsman where relevant - a lawyer can advise which route to prioritise.

- If necessary, prepare for court proceedings - your lawyer can explain remedies, risks and likely timelines, and assess eligibility for legal aid.

Taking prompt, documented action and getting specialised legal advice early will protect your rights and preserve options for remedy.