Best Job Discrimination Lawyers in Vouliagmeni

About Job Discrimination Law in Vouliagmeni, Greece

Job discrimination is unlawful in Vouliagmeni because national Greek and European Union rules protect equal treatment at every stage of employment. This protection covers job applicants, employees, trainees, agency workers, and in many cases freelancers, from unfair treatment based on protected characteristics. Discrimination can be direct, such as refusing to hire someone because of their age, or indirect, such as a neutral rule that disadvantages a protected group without a legitimate and proportionate reason. Harassment, sexual harassment, and retaliation are also prohibited. Since Vouliagmeni is part of the Attica region, enforcement takes place through Greece-wide institutions, courts in Athens, and specialized authorities that oversee equality and workplace rights.

Why You May Need a Lawyer

You may need legal help if any of the following apply: you were passed over for hiring or promotion for unfair reasons, you were dismissed or demoted after pregnancy disclosure or medical leave, you experienced harassment or a hostile environment, you were denied reasonable accommodations for a disability, you faced unequal pay for equal work, you were penalized after making or supporting a complaint, or you need to respond to a severance offer or settlement. A lawyer can identify applicable laws, preserve deadlines, draft complaints to the Labor Inspectorate or the Greek Ombudsman, negotiate with your employer, gather and present evidence, and represent you in court to seek compensation, reinstatement, or other remedies.

Local Laws Overview

Key sources of law include the Greek Constitution, which guarantees equality and prohibits discrimination, and several national statutes that implement EU directives on equal treatment. Core rules are found in Law 4443-2016 on equal treatment irrespective of characteristics such as race or ethnic origin, religion or belief, disability, age, and sexual orientation, with extensions that include gender identity and gender characteristics. Protection for gender equality, pregnancy, maternity, paternity, and parental leave is reinforced by Law 4808-2021 and related provisions on work-life balance, equal pay, and prevention of violence and harassment at work. Sexual harassment and workplace harassment are expressly prohibited, and employers must take preventive and corrective measures. Reasonable accommodation for workers with disabilities is required unless it creates a disproportionate burden for the employer. Greek law uses a shared burden of proof in discrimination disputes. If you present facts suggesting discrimination, the employer must show that no unlawful discrimination occurred. Remedies can include moral damages, back pay, reinstatement when a dismissal is null because it was discriminatory, administrative fines on the employer, and corrective orders. Enforcement bodies include the Hellenic Labor Inspectorate for private sector employment, the Greek Ombudsman as the equality body, and the Equal Treatment Committee for certain private sector matters. Courts in the Athens region hear employment cases that affect residents and employers in Vouliagmeni.

Frequently Asked Questions

What counts as job discrimination under Greek law

Discrimination includes any unfavorable treatment because of a protected characteristic. It can be direct, such as refusing to hire someone due to age or disability, or indirect, where a neutral rule disproportionately harms a protected group without a legitimate aim or proportionate means. Instructions to discriminate, harassment, and sexual harassment are also forms of discrimination. Retaliation for reporting or supporting a claim of discrimination is prohibited.

Which characteristics are protected

Protected grounds include sex, pregnancy and maternity, family status, race, color, national or ethnic origin, religion or belief, disability or chronic illness, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender characteristics. Equal pay for equal or equivalent work is required without discrimination.

Does the law apply to job applicants, interns, and freelancers

Yes. Greek equal treatment rules cover access to employment, recruitment, advertising, selection, and vocational training. Employees and many non-standard workers are protected against discrimination and harassment in the workplace. The exact route to enforcement can differ for independent contractors, so legal advice is useful.

What is harassment and sexual harassment at work

Harassment is any unwanted conduct related to a protected ground that has the purpose or effect of violating dignity and creating an intimidating, hostile, degrading, humiliating, or offensive environment. Sexual harassment is unwanted verbal, non-verbal, or physical conduct of a sexual nature that produces the same effect. Employers must prevent and address harassment. Companies over a certain size must adopt policies and internal procedures under Law 4808-2021.

How do I prove discrimination

You do not have to prove your case beyond all doubt. If you present facts from which discrimination can be presumed, the burden shifts to the employer to prove there was no unlawful discrimination. Useful evidence includes emails, messages, job postings, performance records, comparator information about colleagues in similar roles, witness statements, and notes of relevant incidents. Keep a dated timeline and preserve documents.

What should I do if I think I am being discriminated against

Record what happened, when, who was present, and any response by management. Review your employer policies and consider making an internal complaint in writing. Seek legal advice before signing anything. You may submit a complaint to the Hellenic Labor Inspectorate or the Greek Ombudsman, depending on the context, and you can file a claim in court for remedies.

Can my employer retaliate if I complain

No. Retaliation is unlawful. You are protected when making a good faith complaint, supporting a colleague, or participating in an investigation. Unfavorable actions such as dismissal, demotion, pay cuts, or shift changes taken because of your complaint can give rise to additional claims and remedies. Whistleblower protections under Greek law may also apply if you reported legal violations.

What remedies are available

Courts can award moral damages, back pay, and social security contributions. If a dismissal is discriminatory or otherwise null, you may seek reinstatement. The Labor Inspectorate can impose administrative fines and require corrective actions. Employers may be required to stop the discriminatory practice, adopt policies, or provide reasonable accommodations.

Are employers required to provide disability accommodations

Yes. Employers must provide appropriate and reasonable accommodations to enable a person with a disability to access employment, perform essential job functions, and participate equally in training and advancement, unless doing so would impose a disproportionate burden. Examples include adjustments to schedules, duties, tools, or the workplace environment.

What deadlines apply

Deadlines can be short, especially for court challenges to dismissals and certain employment claims, while other claims may have longer limitation periods. Because timelines vary by claim type and forum, you should seek legal advice promptly to avoid missing a filing deadline. Filing early also helps preserve evidence and witness recollection.

Additional Resources

Hellenic Labor Inspectorate - Independent Authority for labor law enforcement, inspections, and administrative sanctions in the private sector.

Greek Ombudsman - National equality body that investigates discrimination and harassment cases, especially involving the public sector and broader equal treatment issues.

Equal Treatment Committee at the Ministry of Justice - Oversees implementation of equal treatment rules in parts of the private sector outside the Labor Inspectorate remit.

Single-Member Court of First Instance - Labor section in Athens - Hears employment disputes for the Attica region, including cases arising in Vouliagmeni.

General Secretariat for Demographic and Family Policy and Gender Equality - Provides policy guidance, support tools, and awareness programs on gender equality and harassment prevention.

Public Employment Service DYPA - Guidance and services for job seekers, including support for vulnerable groups.

Athens Bar Association - Lawyer referrals and information about legal aid.

Legal Aid under Law 3226-2004 - Financially eligible individuals can request court appointed legal assistance for certain civil and labor disputes.

Next Steps

1 - Write a detailed timeline of what happened, with dates, names, and potential witnesses. Save emails, messages, screenshots, policies, performance reviews, and job ads.

2 - Do not sign severance agreements, warning acknowledgments, or settlement documents without legal advice. Signing may waive claims.

3 - Review internal policies. If safe to do so, file a written complaint with HR or management and keep a copy.

4 - Consult a labor and discrimination lawyer who practices in the Athens region. Ask about deadlines, evidence, forum options, and likely outcomes.

5 - Consider filing a complaint with the Hellenic Labor Inspectorate or the Greek Ombudsman, depending on whether your case involves a private employer or the public sector. Your lawyer can help choose the most effective route.

6 - If you were dismissed or face imminent harm, ask your lawyer about urgent measures and court action to protect your rights.

7 - Continue documenting any new incidents and any changes in your work situation after your complaint to help establish retaliation if it occurs.

This guide is informational and not legal advice. For personalized guidance in Vouliagmeni, speak with a qualified lawyer who can assess your situation and protect your rights under Greek law.