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Labor law in Agia Paraskevi is governed by national Greek law and by applicable European Union rules. That means employment relationships in Agia Paraskevi follow the same legal framework as the rest of Greece, while local courts, the regional labour inspectorate and municipal services provide practical support on the ground. Core topics covered by Greek labour law include the formation and content of employment contracts, working time and overtime, pay and social security, leave entitlements, health and safety at work, protection from discrimination and harassment, collective bargaining and procedures for dismissal and redundancy. Local realities - such as the dominant sectors of employment, the presence of small and medium enterprises and trade-union activity - can affect how disputes arise and are resolved in practice.
People commonly seek a labour lawyer when workplace problems go beyond informal resolution. Typical situations include disputes over unpaid wages or bonuses, contested dismissals, wrongful termination claims, redundancy procedures, reduction of hours or unlawful changes to contract terms, workplace harassment or discrimination, occupational injury or illness claims, disputes over social security entitlements, and conflicts involving collective agreements or unions. A lawyer can assess the strength of your claim, explain procedural deadlines and remedies, negotiate settlements or termination agreements, represent you before the labour inspectorate and in court, and help preserve evidence and build a legal strategy tailored to your circumstances.
Key aspects of the legal framework that are particularly relevant for employees and employers in Agia Paraskevi include the following:
- National scope: Employment rights and employer obligations are set by national statutes, ministerial decisions and EU directives implemented into Greek law. Any changes in national legislation apply equally in Agia Paraskevi.
- Contracts: Contracts can be indefinite, fixed-term, part-time or project-based. Written terms are essential for clarity and proof of agreed conditions.
- Working time and overtime: Greek law regulates normal working hours, rest breaks, weekly limits and overtime pay rules. Collective agreements may set different or supplementary rules for certain sectors.
- Pay and social security: Employers must register employees with the unified social security fund and make contributions. Wages, allowances and legally required contributions are protected by law and by collective agreements where applicable.
- Leave and absence: Statutory entitlements include annual paid leave, sick leave, maternity and paternity leave and other family-related leaves, with specific procedural and documentation requirements.
- Health and safety: Employers must comply with occupational health and safety obligations to protect workers from workplace risks and to report accidents.
- Protection from unfair dismissal: Dismissals must have a lawful cause. Dismissal procedures differ depending on whether an employee is dismissed for disciplinary reasons, redundancy or performance-related grounds. Certain categories of workers enjoy additional protections.
- Collective labour relations: Trade unions and employer associations play a role in collective bargaining. Sectoral and workplace agreements can complement statutory rights.
- Enforcement and remedies: Claims can be brought before the labour courts and the labour inspectorate, and complaints may also be raised with administrative bodies such as the Ministry of Labour or the Greek Ombudsman in specific circumstances.
Common contract types are indefinite-term, fixed-term, part-time and temporary/project-based engagements. The "best" type depends on your situation: indefinite-term contracts give stronger job security and termination protection, while fixed-term contracts can suit specific projects or seasonal work. Always ask for written terms specifying duties, pay, working hours, probation, notice and duration. If terms are unclear, consult a lawyer before signing.
Greek law sets normal working hours, daily and weekly rest requirements and rules for overtime. Overtime is generally paid at a higher rate or compensated with time off according to the law or collective agreements. Some sectors have specific arrangements. Keep records of your hours and payslips to prove overtime claims.
If you are dismissed, first ask your employer for a clear written explanation of the reasons and for termination documentation. Check whether the employer followed any required procedures and notice periods. If you believe the dismissal was unfair or unlawful, seek legal advice quickly. You may be able to negotiate a settlement, lodge a complaint with the labour inspectorate or bring a claim in labour court for reinstatement, compensation or severance depending on the circumstances.
Severance depends on the type of termination, your length of service and the reason for dismissal. Employees dismissed for objective reasons or redundancy often qualify for statutory severance or compensation, while dismissal for cause may affect entitlement. Collective agreements can provide different rates. A lawyer can calculate potential severance and advise on enforcement.
Document unpaid amounts by keeping payslips, bank records and correspondence. Request payment in writing and preserve any evidence showing the employer's refusal. You can file a complaint with the labour inspectorate and may bring a civil or labour claim to recover unpaid wages and employer contributions. Prompt action is important to meet procedural time limits and to protect your rights under social security law.
Record incidents, witnesses and any communications. Notify your employer in writing through internal procedures if available. You can raise the issue with the labour inspectorate, relevant union or the Greek Ombudsman in certain public-sector cases. Legal action may include claims for harassment, discrimination, moral or psychological damage and remedies such as reinstatement or compensation. Confidential legal advice helps preserve evidence and plan next steps.
If you suffer a workplace injury, notify your employer immediately and seek medical care. Employers must report accidents and take measures to prevent further harm. You may be entitled to medical coverage, compensation for lost earnings and benefits through the social security system. For serious or contested cases, a lawyer can assist with claims against the employer and with social security procedures.
Significant changes to wages, working hours, job duties or other material terms generally require your consent or must follow a lawful process. Unilateral detrimental changes may be contestable. Minor administrative adjustments are possible but should be reasonable and communicated. If an employer imposes changes you did not accept, seek legal advice about possible remedies including claims for breach of contract.
Trade unions represent workers and negotiate collective agreements that can set minimum pay, working hours, allowances and disciplinary procedures for a sector or workplace. Collective agreements can supplement statutory rights and may be binding for employers who are party to them. Speak to your union representative to understand applicable collective terms and to coordinate any dispute response.
Time limits apply to many labour claims and can be short. Some remedies require immediate notice or complaint to the employer or labour inspectorate, while litigation deadlines vary by claim type. Because of these deadlines, seek legal advice promptly after a dispute arises, preserve documents and evidence and avoid delays that could restrict your options.
When you need more information or official help, consider these resources available in Greece and locally in Attica and Agia Paraskevi:
- The Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs - for policy, legislation and guidance on employment law and rights.
- The Labour Inspectorate - for reporting workplace violations, health and safety breaches and unpaid wages issues.
- EFKA (unified social security fund) - for social security, benefits and contribution matters.
- The Greek Ombudsman - for complaints about public administration or certain employment-related issues in the public sector.
- Trade unions and employer associations - for sector-specific guidance and collective bargaining information.
- The Athens Bar Association - to find a qualified labour lawyer for Agia Paraskevi and the wider Attica region.
- The Municipality of Agia Paraskevi - for local support services and information about municipal employment programs.
If you need legal assistance in labour law, follow these practical steps to protect your rights and prepare for effective legal help:
- Collect and preserve documents: employment contract, payslips, bank statements, time records, emails, messages, medical certificates, notices and any internal complaints.
- Make a written request to your employer for clarification or remedy - keep a copy of the communication.
- Note names of witnesses and keep a timeline of events to help your lawyer assess the case.
- Contact a specialised labour lawyer early - an initial consultation will clarify your rights, likely outcomes, estimated costs and urgent deadlines.
- Consider filing a complaint with the labour inspectorate if there are health and safety breaches, unpaid wages or other statutory violations - your lawyer can assist with that procedure.
- If you cannot afford private counsel, ask about free or low-cost legal advice from bar association services, unions or legal aid clinics in Attica.
- Stay informed about any collective agreements or sectoral rules that may affect your case, and coordinate with union representatives when appropriate.
Taking prompt, organized action improves the chances of a favorable resolution. A local labour lawyer can guide you through the specific procedures that apply in Agia Paraskevi and represent you before administrative bodies and courts when needed.
