Best Labor Law Lawyers in Thivais

About Labor Law Law in Thivais, Greece

Labor law in Greece sets the rules for employment relationships, wages, working time, leave, health and safety, and termination. These national rules apply in Thivais and the wider Boeotia region, with enforcement handled by the Hellenic Labor Inspectorate and local courts. Greek labor law is a mix of statutes, ministerial decisions, collective labor agreements, and case law. Recent reforms have focused on digital reporting of employment data, work-life balance, telework, and measures against violence and harassment at work.

If you live or work in Thivais, the same national standards apply to you, but you will deal with local administrative offices and courts. Many processes are now electronic through the ERGANI II system, and employers are closely monitored through digital tools like the digital work card in sectors where it is implemented.

Why You May Need a Lawyer

- You have been dismissed and want to check if the termination was lawful, if severance is correct, and whether you should challenge it.

- You believe you have unpaid wages, unpaid overtime, or incorrect calculation of bonuses such as Christmas bonus, Easter bonus, or leave allowance.

- You face discrimination, bullying, or harassment at work and need to know your options for protection and compensation.

- You need help reviewing or negotiating an employment contract, a fixed-term renewal, a telework agreement, or a non-compete clause.

- Your employer changed your terms unilaterally, such as schedule, location, or duties, and you want to know your rights.

- You suffered a workplace accident or have health and safety concerns and need to protect your rights to medical care and compensation.

- You are dealing with restructuring, transfer of undertakings, or collective redundancies and want to understand procedures and entitlements.

- You are an employer in Thivais who needs help with compliance, policies, internal investigations, or Labor Inspectorate audits.

Local Laws Overview

Employment contracts and hiring - New hires must be declared in ERGANI II before work begins. Contracts can be indefinite or fixed-term. Fixed-term renewals must be justified by objective reasons and their repeated use can lead to conversion to indefinite.

Minimum wage - The statutory minimum wage is set by the government. As of April 2024 the gross monthly minimum for full-time work is 830 euros. Sectoral or company collective agreements may set higher minima.

Working time - The standard full-time schedule is usually 40 hours per week. Overtime and overwork are subject to daily and annual limits and must be compensated with statutory premiums. Night work and Sunday or holiday work generally require higher pay and special records. Certain sectors may use shift systems or flexible arrangements subject to formalities and consent where required.

Telework - Greek law regulates telework including written terms, coverage of work equipment costs, health and safety, data protection, and the right to disconnect. Telework can be agreed or imposed only in specific situations set by law.

Leave and bonuses - Employees are entitled to annual paid leave that increases with service, plus a leave allowance. Most private sector employees receive a Christmas bonus and an Easter bonus, proportionate if they have not worked the full reference period.

Health and safety - Employers must assess risks, provide training and personal protective equipment, and keep a written risk assessment. Work accidents must be recorded and reported to the Labor Inspectorate and social insurance.

Equality, harassment, and retaliation - Law 4808-2021 introduced strong protections against violence and harassment at work and mechanisms for internal handling and complaints to the Labor Inspectorate. Discrimination based on protected characteristics is prohibited. Retaliation against whistleblowers is prohibited under Greek law.

Termination - Dismissals must respect formality, such as written notice and ERGANI II filing, and employees are entitled to notice or severance depending on service. Certain categories have special protection, such as pregnant employees, new parents, and union representatives. Invalid reasons for dismissal are prohibited by law. Settlement agreements should be approached with caution and full understanding of rights.

Collective agreements - Sectoral, occupational, or company-level collective labor agreements can improve minimum terms. When declared universally binding or applicable through membership, they set mandatory standards for wages and conditions.

Social insurance - Most employees are insured with e-EFKA. Employers must pay and report contributions on time. Insurance coverage affects benefits like sickness, maternity, unemployment, and pensions.

Enforcement and local bodies - The Hellenic Labor Inspectorate conducts audits and mediates disputes. In Thivais and Boeotia, local regional offices handle inspections and complaints. Labor disputes are heard by local courts of first instance with appeals to the Court of Appeal within the competent circuit.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the minimum wage in Greece and does it apply in Thivais

The national minimum wage applies everywhere in Greece, including Thivais. As of April 2024 it is 830 euros gross per month for full-time employees. Sectoral or company agreements may set higher rates.

How is overtime paid in Greece

Overtime must be pre-registered where required and is paid with statutory premiums that increase the hourly rate. There are caps on daily and annual overtime. Night, Sunday, and holiday work usually attract additional premiums. Exact percentages can vary by law and collective agreements, so check your sector.

Am I entitled to Christmas and Easter bonuses

Most private sector employees with dependent employment are entitled to a Christmas bonus and an Easter bonus, as well as a leave allowance. If you have not worked the full reference period you receive a proportional amount.

What are my rights if I am dismissed

You are generally entitled to written notice and severance depending on your length of service, and the dismissal must be filed in ERGANI II. Certain reasons for dismissal are invalid. Special protections apply to pregnancy, new parenthood, military service, and union activity. If you suspect unlawful dismissal, consult a lawyer promptly because deadlines to challenge are strict.

Can my employer change my schedule or duties without consent

Employers have managerial prerogatives but cannot unilaterally impose substantial detrimental changes that breach the contract or the law. Significant changes to schedule, pay, place of work, or duties may require agreement or a specific legal basis, and must respect family and health considerations.

How does telework work under Greek law

Telework requires written terms covering schedule, performance, confidentiality, data protection, costs, and health and safety. Employees have a right to disconnect outside agreed hours. Employers must provide equipment or cover reasonable costs and ensure safe working conditions.

What should I do if I face harassment or discrimination at work

Document incidents, use any internal reporting channel, and consider filing a complaint with the Hellenic Labor Inspectorate. You can seek court protection and compensation. Retaliation for reporting is prohibited. A lawyer can help you assess options and protect your evidence.

How are fixed-term contracts regulated

Fixed-term contracts must be for objective reasons and their repeated renewal without justification can lead to conversion to an indefinite contract. Early termination is limited and may trigger compensation unless a serious reason applies.

What is the role of the Hellenic Labor Inspectorate

It monitors compliance, investigates complaints, mediates disputes, and can impose fines. In the Boeotia region it operates through regional offices that cover Thivais. Complaints can be filed confidentially, and inspections can be on-site or documentary via ERGANI II data.

How are unpaid wages or overtime claimed

Start by gathering contracts, pay slips, ERGANI II forms, schedules, and any messages that show hours worked. You can pursue payment through the Labor Inspectorate mediation or directly in court. Wage claims are subject to limitation periods, so act quickly.

Additional Resources

- Hellenic Labor Inspectorate - for complaints, inspections, and guidance on employment rights.

- Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs - for official circulars, minimum wage decisions, and labor policy updates.

- ERGANI II - national employment information system used for hiring, schedules, and terminations.

- e-EFKA - social insurance for contributions, benefits, and certificates.

- DYPA - Public Employment Service for unemployment benefits, training, and employer subsidies.

- OMED - Organization for Mediation and Arbitration for collective labor disputes.

- Local Bar Association in Thivais and Boeotia - for referrals to labor law attorneys.

- Local courts of first instance in Boeotia - for labor disputes and protective orders.

Next Steps

- Write down your situation in a timeline. Include dates of hiring, changes to terms, incidents, and communications.

- Collect evidence. Gather contracts, amendments, ERGANI II filings, pay slips, time records, emails, messages, medical reports, and witness details.

- Do not delay. Many labor rights have short deadlines, especially challenges to dismissal and certain claims. Seek advice as soon as possible.

- Speak to a labor lawyer in Thivais or the wider Boeotia region. Ask about experience with your type of case, expected timeline, fees, and strategy.

- Consider administrative options. A complaint to the Hellenic Labor Inspectorate can prompt mediation and enforcement while you assess court options.

- Protect your health and income. If applicable, register with DYPA for unemployment support, inform e-EFKA regarding benefits, and seek medical care for any work-related issues.

- Be careful with settlements. Do not sign resignation letters or settlement agreements without legal advice. Understand what rights you waive and what you receive in return.

This guide is general information. For advice on your specific situation in Thivais, consult a qualified labor law attorney licensed in Greece.