Best Job Discrimination Lawyers in Thivais

About Job Discrimination Law in Thivais, Greece

Job discrimination occurs when an employer or prospective employer treats a person less favorably because of a protected characteristic, or applies a seemingly neutral practice that disproportionately harms people with a protected characteristic without a legitimate and necessary reason. In Thivais and across Greece, equal treatment in employment is protected by the Constitution and detailed national laws that implement European Union rules. These laws cover all stages of work life cycle, including job advertisements, recruitment, contract terms, pay and benefits, training, promotions, working conditions, and termination.

Greek law prohibits direct discrimination, indirect discrimination, harassment and sexual harassment, instructions to discriminate, and retaliation against someone who makes or supports a complaint. Special protections exist for pregnancy and maternity, disability and the right to reasonable accommodation, and for those who report workplace violence or harassment. If a dismissal or adverse action is linked to a protected characteristic or retaliation, it can be declared null and void, with remedies such as reinstatement, back pay, and compensation for moral damage.

This guide is informational only. If you believe you have experienced job discrimination in the Thivais area, consider obtaining advice from a local labor law attorney as soon as possible, because time limits and procedural steps can be strict.

Why You May Need a Lawyer

You may need a lawyer if you have been denied a job, paid less, sidelined for promotion, reassigned, or dismissed due to a protected characteristic such as sex, pregnancy, race or ethnic origin, religion or belief, disability or chronic illness, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender characteristics. A lawyer is also important if you face harassment or sexual harassment at work, or if your employer does not provide reasonable accommodation for a disability.

Legal assistance is valuable when gathering and preserving evidence, assessing whether a policy is indirectly discriminatory, calculating compensation, and choosing the right forum for your complaint. A lawyer can guide you through internal grievance procedures, help with filings to the Hellenic Labour Inspectorate or the Greek Ombudsman, represent you in mediation, and take your case to the Court of First Instance in Thebes if needed. Prompt advice is especially important for dismissal challenges and when seeking interim measures to stop ongoing harm.

Local Laws Overview

Greece has a robust framework governing equal treatment in employment that applies in Thivais and nationwide. Key pillars include law on equal treatment across protected grounds and specific law on equality between men and women in employment and occupation. Together they prohibit discrimination in hiring and employment conditions, require equal pay for equal work, and forbid retaliation. They also shift the burden of proof once the employee presents facts indicating discrimination, meaning the employer must then show that no unlawful discrimination occurred.

Greek law requires reasonable accommodation for workers with disabilities, unless the employer shows a disproportionate burden. Pregnancy and maternity status receive enhanced protection. As a rule, dismissal of a pregnant employee or a recent mother is null unless the employer proves a serious ground unrelated to pregnancy or maternity.

Violence and harassment at work, including sexual harassment, are expressly prohibited. Employers have duties to prevent and address harassment. Employers with at least 20 employees must adopt policies on prevention of violence and harassment, set up internal reporting channels, and handle complaints promptly and fairly. Retaliation against anyone who reports or supports a complaint is prohibited.

Enforcement can be administrative and judicial. The Hellenic Labour Inspectorate can investigate, mediate, and impose administrative sanctions. The Greek Ombudsman functions as the national equality body and can examine discrimination cases and issue findings and recommendations. Courts can order compensation for pecuniary loss and moral damage, declare discriminatory terms or dismissals null, and award reinstatement with back pay in appropriate cases.

Data protection rules also apply to recruitment and employment. Employers must handle candidate and employee data lawfully and fairly. For example, intrusive questioning or processing sensitive data without a legal basis may infringe data protection and equal treatment rules.

Frequently Asked Questions

What counts as job discrimination under Greek law

Discrimination includes any less favorable treatment because of protected characteristics such as sex, pregnancy or maternity, race or ethnic origin, color, religion or belief, disability or chronic illness, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender characteristics. It also covers indirect discrimination, where a neutral rule harms a protected group without a legitimate and proportionate reason, and harassment, including sexual harassment, which is unwanted conduct creating a hostile environment.

Does the law apply before I am hired

Yes. The law applies to job advertisements, application screening, interviews, tests, and selection. Employers cannot ask questions or set criteria that discriminate, such as excluding applicants by age or marital status without a lawful reason. They must also respect privacy and data protection in recruitment.

What should I do first if I experience discrimination in Thivais

Write down a detailed timeline with dates, times, names, and what happened. Save relevant emails, messages, job ads, pay slips, performance reviews, and any written policies. Consider using any internal complaint or HR procedure and keep copies of your submissions. You can contact the Hellenic Labour Inspectorate for guidance or to lodge a complaint, and you can consult a local labor lawyer to assess legal options and deadlines.

How do I prove discrimination

You do not need a confession. You must show facts that give rise to a presumption of discrimination, such as inconsistent treatment compared to similar colleagues, biased comments, patterns in hiring or pay, or rules that disadvantage a protected group. If you meet this threshold, the burden shifts to the employer to prove there was no discrimination. Use lawful evidence and avoid illegal secret recordings. Ask a lawyer about what evidence is admissible.

Can my employer retaliate if I complain

No. Retaliation for making a good faith complaint or supporting someone else is prohibited. Retaliation includes threats, demotion, reassignment, negative evaluations, or dismissal. If retaliation occurs, you can seek protection and compensation. Keep detailed records of any post-complaint actions against you.

What remedies can a court order

Courts can declare discriminatory terms or dismissals null and void, order reinstatement with back pay, and award compensation for material loss and moral damage. Administrative authorities can also impose fines on employers. The exact outcome depends on the facts, the harm suffered, and the type of violation.

Do I have to file with an authority before going to court

No, going to the Hellenic Labour Inspectorate or the Greek Ombudsman is not a mandatory prerequisite for filing a lawsuit. However, administrative complaints can help investigate facts, encourage early resolution, and create useful documentation. A lawyer can advise on whether to pursue administrative and judicial routes in parallel.

Are disabled workers entitled to accommodations

Yes. Employers must provide reasonable accommodation to enable a qualified person with a disability to perform the essential functions of the job, unless this creates a disproportionate burden. Examples include adjustments to duties, schedules, equipment, or workplace accessibility. Requests should be made in writing and supported by medical documentation where appropriate.

Do the protections cover freelancers, trainees, and agency workers

Greek equal treatment rules generally cover access to employment, vocational training, and working conditions beyond traditional open-ended contracts. Many protections apply to temporary agency workers, fixed-term workers, trainees, and in several contexts to self-employed persons. A lawyer can help determine how the rules apply to your specific status and contract.

Are there deadlines I should know about

Yes. Some employment claims, especially challenges to dismissal, have short deadlines. Other claims such as wage differences or compensation for moral damage have longer limitation periods. Because deadlines vary by claim type, you should seek legal advice quickly, ideally within days or weeks of the incident.

Additional Resources

Hellenic Labour Inspectorate - Independent authority that handles workplace complaints, inspections, and mediation. Contact the nearest office serving Boeotia or use the national 1555 helpline of the Ministry of Labour for guidance and complaint intake.

Greek Ombudsman - National equality body that investigates discrimination cases in both public and private sectors and issues recommendations and findings that carry significant weight.

Court of First Instance of Thebes - The local court that hears labor disputes for the Thivais area under the special labor procedure. A local lawyer can file and represent you there.

Hellenic Data Protection Authority - Oversees compliance with data protection rules that intersect with fair recruitment and workplace privacy.

Research Center for Gender Equality - KETHI - Provides information and support on gender equality and workplace discrimination affecting women, including pregnancy and maternity issues.

National Confederation of Disabled People - ESAMEA - Offers advocacy and guidance on disability rights and reasonable accommodation in employment, with regional structures covering Central Greece.

Workers centers and unions in Boeotia - Local labor unions and the regional workers center can provide first-line advice, support during inspections, and representation in collective disputes.

Bar Association of Thebes - Can help you find a lawyer experienced in labor and discrimination law in the Thivais area.

Next Steps

Document everything. Create a chronological record of events, preserve communications and policies, and gather names of witnesses. Make any internal complaint in writing and keep proof of submission. If you need an accommodation, request it in writing and explain what you need and why.

Seek help early. Call the 1555 labor helpline or contact the Hellenic Labour Inspectorate for initial guidance. Consider submitting a complaint to the Greek Ombudsman if appropriate. Meet a local labor lawyer to review your rights, options, evidence, and deadlines, and to plan strategy for negotiation, mediation, or litigation.

Protect yourself while your case is pending. Follow medical advice, avoid confrontations, and do not share sensitive details on social media. Ask your lawyer before recording conversations or sharing workplace documents. If the situation is urgent or harmful, your lawyer can explore interim measures to stop ongoing harassment or reverse retaliatory actions.

Act within deadlines. Some claims require quick action. A lawyer can file administrative complaints, negotiate with your employer, or bring a case before the Court of First Instance of Thebes. With timely and well documented steps, you can assert your rights effectively under Greek law.