Best Wage & Hour Lawyers in Acharnes

About Wage & Hour Law in Acharnes, Greece

Wage and hour law governs pay, working time, overtime, rest periods, holiday pay, payslips, and related employer obligations. In Acharnes, as in the rest of Greece, these rules derive from a mix of national legislation, collective-bargaining agreements by sector, and European Union rules. Practical enforcement and assistance are provided locally through regional offices of the Ministry of Labour and the Labour Inspectorate. Whether you work in retail, manufacturing, construction, hospitality, or in an office, understanding basic wage and hour protections will help you identify problems and take the right steps to protect your rights.

Why You May Need a Lawyer

Many wage and hour disputes can be resolved without court, but a lawyer becomes essential in several common situations:

- Unpaid wages or repeated late payment despite attempts to resolve the issue directly with your employer.

- Disputes over overtime pay, shift premiums, night work pay, or miscalculated holiday or sick pay.

- Misclassification as an independent contractor to avoid social security and wage obligations.

- Illegal deductions from pay or absence of required payslips and wage records.

- Non-payment of severance or termination-related pay after dismissal, or suspicion that dismissal was connected to a wage dispute.

- Complex matters involving cross-border employers, multi-employer arrangements, or collective bargaining interpretation.

- When you need to preserve evidence, issue a formal legal demand, or begin court proceedings or an administrative complaint with the Labour Inspectorate.

Local Laws Overview

This summary highlights the most relevant legal concepts for wage and hour matters in Acharnes. It is simplified and not exhaustive.

- Employment Status: Whether you are an employee or self-employed determines protections. Employees are normally covered by labour law, social security rules, and minimum labour standards. Contracts, real work arrangements, and control exercised by the employer all matter when assessing status.

- Working Time: National law and EU working-time rules set limits on weekly working hours, daily rest, and paid breaks. Many sectors have collective agreements that define standard hours and flex-schedules. Overtime rules and premium rates usually apply where work exceeds the agreed or legal normal hours.

- Wages and Payslips: Employers must pay wages agreed in the contract or set by collective agreement and provide clear payslips showing gross pay, deductions, net pay, and social security contributions. Minimum wage levels and statutory increases are set nationally and updated periodically.

- Overtime and Premium Pay: When overtime, night work, weekend work or public-holiday work occurs, Greek law or sector agreements typically require premium rates above base pay. The exact multiplier depends on the applicable agreement or statutory provision.

- Annual Leave and Public Holidays: Employees are entitled to paid annual leave and paid public holidays. The amount of leave can vary by seniority, sector, and collective agreement. Employers must remunerate accrued leave on termination.

- Social Security and Contributions: Employers must make social insurance contributions to the national social security organisation. Failure to register employees or pay contributions can create enforcement and criminal liabilities for employers and can affect employees rights and benefits.

- Enforcement and Remedies: You can make an administrative complaint to the Labour Inspectorate for inspection and sanctions. You may also bring a civil claim before the labour courts for unpaid wages, compensation and related remedies. Some serious violations may attract criminal penalties.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I tell if I am an employee or an independent contractor?

Labeling on a contract is not decisive. Authorities look at the real relationship: who controls the work, who sets hours, who provides tools and workspace, whether you are integrated into the employer business, and whether you bear financial risk. If you have fixed hours, regular pay, and work under employer direction, you are likely an employee and entitled to wage and hour protections.

What should I do if my employer does not pay my wages on time or at all?

Start by documenting everything: contracts, payslips, bank statements, messages, timesheets and notes of conversations. Send a written demand to the employer asking for payment and keep a copy. If there is no response or payment, you can file a complaint with the Labour Inspectorate and consult a lawyer to consider a civil claim for unpaid wages and interest. Acting promptly is important because delays may limit remedies.

How is overtime calculated and when is it due?

Overtime rules depend on the employment contract, collective agreements and national law. Generally, work beyond the agreed normal working hours triggers overtime pay at a premium rate. Certain work such as night shifts, weekend and public-holiday work often carries higher rates. Keep records of hours worked and review the collective agreement or contract to identify the applicable overtime formula.

Am I entitled to breaks, daily rest and weekly rest?

Yes. Law and EU working-time rules require minimum daily rest periods, rest breaks during the working day where work is long, and at least one uninterrupted weekly rest period. Exceptions may exist for certain sectors or where alternative agreements apply, but compensatory rest or extra pay should be provided when exceptions are used.

Can my employer make deductions from my salary for losses or damages?

Employers cannot make arbitrary deductions. Deductions must be lawful, proportionate and usually require either a legal basis, a clause in the employment contract, or an employee agreement. Illegal deductions can be challenged. If deductions are claimed for damage, the employer generally must follow a fair disciplinary procedure and prove the loss before withholding pay.

Do I have a right to a written employment contract and payslips?

Yes. Employers should provide clear terms of employment, either in a written contract or written statement covering key terms. Employers must also provide payslips showing gross pay, social security deductions, taxes and net pay. Lack of documentation can be evidence in your favour in a dispute.

What can I do if I was dismissed and did not receive owed wages or severance?

If dismissal involved unpaid wages, unused holiday pay or severance, gather documents and seek immediate legal advice. You can file a claim before the labour courts for payment of outstanding amounts and to challenge unlawful dismissal. Administrative complaints to the Labour Inspectorate are also possible. Time-limits apply, so do not delay seeking advice.

Are there protections against retaliation if I complain about unpaid wages?

Yes. Labour law protects employees against unfair dismissal and other retaliation for exercising labour rights, including lodging complaints with the Labour Inspectorate. If you face dismissal, demotion or other adverse treatment after complaining, document the events and consult a lawyer to pursue remedies.

What remedies are available if the employer refuses to comply after an inspector finds a violation?

The Labour Inspectorate can issue administrative orders and fines. If the employer does not comply, cases may be referred for sanctions and you can bring a civil claim to recover unpaid amounts plus interest and possibly compensation. In serious cases, criminal referrals are possible. A lawyer can help coordinate administrative and court actions to obtain the best outcome.

How long will it take and what costs should I expect for legal action?

Timelines vary. Labour inspector investigations can take weeks or months. Court claims can take longer depending on complexity and backlog. Costs can include lawyer fees, court costs and possible expert reports. Many lawyers offer an initial consultation and some offer contingency or fixed-fee arrangements for wage claims. Public legal aid may be available in qualifying cases. Ask about fees and likely timelines during the first meeting.

Additional Resources

Below are the types of organisations and resources that are useful when dealing with wage and hour issues in Acharnes:

- Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs - national body responsible for labour policy and enforcement.

- Labour Inspectorate - the administrative agency that enforces labour standards, conducts workplace inspections and accepts complaints.

- EFKA - the national social security institution responsible for employee registration and social insurance issues.

- Local trade unions and sectoral union federations - offer advice, representation and information on collective agreements.

- Athens Bar Association - for referrals to lawyers specialising in employment law and access to legal aid information.

- Consumer and worker advice centres - organisations and local social services that can provide initial guidance.

- Workplace health and safety authorities - if working time or rest issues raise safety concerns.

Next Steps

If you believe your wage or hour rights have been violated, follow these practical steps:

- Collect and preserve evidence: contracts, payslips, bank statements, time records, messages and any other documents or witnesses that show hours worked and pay owed.

- Try an internal resolution: raise the issue in writing with your employer or HR, and request a clear written response. Keep copies of all communications.

- Seek confidential advice: contact a lawyer experienced in labour law for an assessment. Many lawyers provide an initial consultation that explains your options and likely outcomes.

- Consider an administrative complaint: if internal steps fail, file a complaint with the Labour Inspectorate so an inspection can be initiated.

- Prepare for legal action: if necessary, your lawyer will draft formal demands, negotiate for settlement, or file claims in the labour courts. Discuss fees, timelines and possible interim measures to secure payment.

- Use union support if you are a member: unions can provide negotiation assistance, representation and practical support.

Act promptly. Wage and hour disputes often involve time-limits and evidence that is easier to obtain close to the events. A local lawyer or a labour inspector can advise you on the best route based on the specifics of your situation in Acharnes.