Existing user? Sign in
Share your needs with us, get contacted by law firms.
Free. Takes 2 min.
Wage and hour rules in Agia Paraskevi follow Greek national employment law and collective agreements that apply throughout the country. These rules cover how employees must be paid, how many hours they can work, overtime, rest breaks, holiday pay, and employer obligations for social security contributions and payroll records. Local institutions in Attica and Agia Paraskevi assist with enforcement and information, but the substantive protections come from national legislation, court decisions, and sectoral collective bargaining.
Employment matters often involve technical legal rules and deadlines. You may need a lawyer if you face any of the following situations:
- Unpaid wages, unpaid overtime or wrongful deductions from pay
- Dispute over holiday pay, night shift premiums, Sunday work or other premium payments
- Misclassification as an independent contractor to avoid social security or tax obligations
- Wrongful dismissal, inadequate notice or disputes over severance pay
- Employer failure to register you with social security or to pay contributions to EFKA
- Retaliation for reporting unsafe conditions or raising rights-related complaints
- Complex collective-bargaining questions or disputes with trade unions
- Need to prepare or review employment contracts or settlement agreements
A lawyer experienced in Greek labour law can assess your position, explain remedies, represent you before the Labour Inspectorate and Labour Courts, and negotiate settlements.
Key points to understand about wage and hour law that affect workers in Agia Paraskevi:
- National scope - Employment law is set at national level. Minimum wage levels, basic protections, and statutory leave rules apply across Greece, including Agia Paraskevi.
- Employment contracts - Work terms are governed by written or verbal employment contracts, collective agreements and statutory minimums. Contracts should state pay, working hours and other essential terms.
- Working hours and overtime - Full-time work is normally set by statute and collective agreements. Overtime requires additional pay or compensatory time based on legal or contractual rules.
- Pay and payslips - Employers must pay salary on agreed dates and provide payslips showing gross pay, deductions and net pay. Employers must withhold tax and social security contributions and remit them to authorities.
- Annual leave and public holidays - Employees are entitled to paid annual leave and paid public holidays under national rules and applicable collective agreements.
- Social security - Employers must register employees with EFKA and pay employer and employee social contributions. Failure to register or pay contributions can give rise to claims and penalties.
- Enforcement - Complaints about wage and hour violations may be filed with the Labour Inspectorate and pursued in the Labour Courts. Trade unions and the Athens Bar Association can assist with advice and representation.
Start by asking your employer in writing for the unpaid amounts and keep copies of all correspondence. If that does not work, file a complaint with the regional Labour Inspectorate and seek legal advice about bringing a claim before the Labour Court. A lawyer can help gather evidence such as payslips, bank transfers, time records and witness statements.
Keep your employment contract, payslips, bank statements showing payments, time sheets or clocking records, emails or messages about hours or pay, and any witness contacts. Also keep any documents showing tax or social security registration. The stronger the documentary record, the easier it is to pursue a claim.
Overtime rules are set by law and by collective agreements. In general, overtime hours should be paid at a higher rate or compensated with time off, depending on the applicable rules. Specific rates and compensatory arrangements depend on the sector and the applicable collective bargaining agreement, so check your contract and consult a lawyer for details.
Misclassification is common. The legal test looks at the real relationship - whether you are under the employer's direction, use their tools, work fixed hours, and depend economically on them. If you are an employee in substance, you may have rights to unpaid wages, social security registration and other protections. A lawyer can assess the facts and help you assert employee rights.
Employers may only make deductions that are lawful, authorized by statute or permitted by the employment contract. Unauthorized deductions for items like tools, uniforms or penalties may be unlawful. If deductions appear improper, document them and seek legal advice to recover the amounts.
Dismissals must respect notice periods, statutory protections and the requirements for lawful termination. Unlawful dismissal or dismissal without proper notice or severance can give rise to claims for reinstatement or compensation in the Labour Court. Time limits apply, so consult a lawyer promptly after dismissal.
Limitation periods can vary depending on the type of claim and the circumstances. Some wage-related claims must be brought within a limited number of years from the date of the breach. Because deadlines can affect your rights, do not delay in seeking advice and filing complaints with the Labour Inspectorate or court.
Enforcement is carried out by national and regional bodies, primarily the Labour Inspectorate which investigates complaints and can impose administrative sanctions. Wage and contract disputes are resolved by the Labour Courts. Trade unions and the municipal social services can provide guidance and support.
Legal aid may be available in certain circumstances for employment disputes. The Athens Bar Association and local legal aid offices can provide information about eligibility and how to apply. Some trade unions also provide legal support to members.
Yes. Collective bargaining agreements can set higher standards than statutory minimums for pay, working hours, overtime rates, leave and other conditions. If a collective agreement applies to your sector or workplace, its terms may be binding and enforceable in addition to statutory rights.
Useful institutions and organisations to contact for information and help:
- Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs - national policy and guidance on employment law
- Labour Inspectorate - enforcement body that receives complaints about wage and hour violations
- EFKA - Unified Social Security Fund for questions about social contributions and registration
- OAED - Manpower Employment Organisation for employment support and unemployment benefits
- Athens Bar Association - for lawyer referrals and legal aid information
- Trade unions, including national confederations and sectoral unions, for collective agreement information and member support
- Municipality of Agia Paraskevi - local social services and citizen assistance for initial guidance and referrals
If you believe your wage or hour rights have been violated, follow these steps:
- Gather documents - contract, payslips, bank records, time cards, correspondence and any evidence of hours worked.
- Ask your employer in writing for an explanation and for lawful payment. Keep copies of all communications.
- Contact the regional Labour Inspectorate to report violations and request an inspection.
- Seek a consultation with an employment lawyer, especially if the employer refuses to remedy the issue, if dismissal has occurred, or if there are complex questions about classification, severance or collective agreements.
- Consider informal resolution - mediation or negotiation - if appropriate. Have any settlement offers reviewed by a lawyer before you sign.
- Act promptly - deadlines apply for complaints and court claims. Early legal advice helps preserve evidence and ensures you meet procedural requirements.
Legal advice tailored to your individual circumstances is the best way to protect your rights. If you are in Agia Paraskevi, a local lawyer familiar with Attica labour practice and the Labour Courts can guide you through the process.
