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This guide provides an overview of wage and hour issues for people living or working in Elliniko, a suburb of Athens, Greece. Wage and hour law in Greece is governed primarily by national labour law, collective agreements and individual employment contracts. Key topics include minimum wage, working time and overtime, paid leave, payslips and deductions, social security contributions and enforcement. For most practical purposes employers and employees in Elliniko follow the same legal framework as elsewhere in Greece, and disputes are normally handled through administrative bodies and the labour courts based in Athens.
Labour law disputes often involve technical legal rules, deadlines and complex employer responses. You may need a lawyer when:
- You have unpaid wages, unpaid overtime or deductions from your salary that you did not authorize.
- Your employer misclassified you as an independent contractor to avoid paying benefits or social security contributions.
- You face unlawful termination, or your dismissal did not include proper notice or severance pay.
- Your payslips or work records are missing, inaccurate or inconsistent with your actual hours.
- You suspect your employer has not paid the required social security contributions to EFKA on your behalf.
- You need help calculating holiday pay, sick pay, maternity or paternity entitlements.
- You are a union representative or part of a group seeking collective enforcement of rights.
- You require urgent interim relief, for example to stop an employer from withholding documents, pay statements or blocking access to wages.
In these situations a lawyer can advise on evidence collection, formal complaints to administrative bodies, drafting demand letters, and representing you in negotiations or before the labour court.
Key legal elements to understand in Elliniko and the wider Greek system include:
- National legal framework - Employment relationships are regulated by Greek labour law, statute law and case law. Statutory provisions cover working time, rest breaks, paid leave, minimum wage principles and protections against unfair dismissal.
- Minimum wage and collective agreements - Minimum pay levels can be set by national legislation or by collective agreements that apply to specific industries or sectors. Collective bargaining may also create higher standards than the legal minimum.
- Working time and overtime - Standard full-time working hours and rules for overtime, night work and shift work are regulated. Overtime is normally compensated at higher rates or by time off in lieu, depending on the contract or sectoral rules.
- Payslips and record-keeping - Employers must keep accurate records of hours worked, wages paid and social security contributions. Payslips should show how pay is calculated and any deductions.
- Social security contributions - Employers are responsible for paying employer and employee contributions to EFKA and other social funds. Missing contributions affect benefits and pension entitlements.
- Leave and public holidays - Employees are entitled to annual paid leave, sick leave and special leave for reasons such as maternity and paternity. Public holiday pay may be treated differently depending on the employment contract.
- Termination and severance - Rules on notice periods and severance pay depend on the length of service, the reason for termination and applicable collective agreements.
- Enforcement - The Hellenic Labour Inspectorate and EFKA handle administrative complaints and enforcement. Employment disputes may be brought before the labour courts in Athens. Time limits apply to filing claims.
- Language and procedure - Proceedings and official documents are in Greek. If you are not fluent, plan to use a translator or lawyer who can assist with translations.
Minimum wage levels can change and may be set by law or by sectoral collective agreements. Check your contract and any applicable collective agreement. If you believe you are underpaid, compare your gross and net pay and payslip details with the statutory or agreed minimum. A lawyer or trade union can help verify calculations and advise on next steps.
Overtime generally means hours worked beyond the ordinary working time specified by contract or sector rules. Overtime compensation is normally higher than standard pay or may be compensated with time off in lieu according to the contract or collective rules. Keep detailed records of hours worked and any authorizations for extra hours to support a claim.
Deductions must be lawful, justified and usually agreed in the employment contract or required by law - for example tax and social security contributions. Unauthorised deductions are unlawful. If deductions appear improper, preserve payslips and bank statements and seek legal advice.
Request a corrected payslip in writing and keep a copy of your request. Employers are required to provide accurate pay statements and maintain records. If the employer refuses or fails to provide documentation, a lawyer can help issue formal demands and, if needed, initiate administrative or court proceedings to obtain documents and compensation.
Start by sending a written demand to your employer setting out the unpaid amount and a reasonable deadline for payment. If the employer does not respond, you can file a complaint with the Hellenic Labour Inspectorate or consult a lawyer to file a claim in the labour court. Keep all evidence such as contracts, payslips, time records and correspondence.
If you believe your dismissal was unfair or lacked proper notice or severance, gather the termination letter and any related communications. Time limits apply for filing a claim, so consult a lawyer promptly. Remedies can include reinstatement, compensation for unfair dismissal or payment of unpaid severance and notice.
Time limits vary, but claims for unpaid wages and related employment claims are subject to prescription periods under Greek law. Many wage claims are subject to a five-year limitation period from the date the right became enforceable. Because specifics can vary, consult a lawyer quickly to preserve your rights.
Missing social security contributions should be raised with EFKA to check whether contributions have been recorded. A lawyer can help you file administrative complaints and, if necessary, sue the employer for unpaid contributions and any resulting damage to your social insurance record.
Part-time and seasonal workers are protected by labour law, but entitlements scale with hours worked and length of employment. Some benefits and leave accruals may be pro-rated. Always check the contract and sector rules. If you suspect unlawful treatment, consult a lawyer or union representative.
Many disputes are settled through negotiation, mediation, or administrative complaints to bodies such as the Hellenic Labour Inspectorate. Employers and employees can often achieve a faster resolution through direct negotiation supported by a lawyer or union. If administrative routes fail, you can pursue a court claim in the labour courts.
For help and information in Elliniko and Athens, consider contacting or exploring the services of the following types of organizations and authorities:
- Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs - the central authority setting labour policy and issuing guidance.
- Hellenic Labour Inspectorate - the administrative body that handles inspections and enforces labour standards.
- EFKA - the Single Social Security Entity responsible for social security records and contributions.
- Local labour courts in Athens - where employment disputes are heard.
- Public Employment Service offices - for employment information and support.
- Trade unions and sectoral unions - for collective representation and practical assistance.
- Citizens Service Centres - for help with administrative procedures and document requests.
- Legal aid clinics and private lawyers specializing in labour law - for individual legal advice and representation.
If you think you need legal assistance for a wage or hour issue in Elliniko, consider the following steps:
- Collect documents - gather your employment contract, payslips, bank statements showing payments, work schedules, any written communications with your employer and records of hours worked.
- Note key dates - record when the problem started, dates of unpaid wages or dismissal, and any deadlines or time limits communicated by your employer.
- Seek preliminary advice - contact a lawyer experienced in Greek labour law for an initial assessment. Many lawyers offer an initial consultation to review your documents and explain options.
- Try to resolve informally - where appropriate, send a clear written demand to your employer stating the issue and a deadline for remedy. Keep copies of all correspondence.
- Use administrative routes - consider filing a complaint with the Hellenic Labour Inspectorate or asking EFKA to check social security records.
- Prepare for litigation if needed - if informal and administrative efforts fail, your lawyer can file a claim in the labour court and seek remedies, including payment of unpaid wages, overtime, severance and interest, as well as other relief.
- Expect timing and language considerations - proceedings may take months and are conducted in Greek. Ask your lawyer about likely timelines and whether translation assistance is needed.
Important note - this guide is for general information only and does not constitute legal advice. For advice about your specific situation consult a qualified Greek labour lawyer as soon as possible.
