Best Wage & Hour Lawyers in Moschato

About Wage & Hour Law in Moschato, Greece

Wage and hour rules that apply in Moschato are set by national Greek law and by European Union rules that Greece implements. Moschato is part of the Piraeus/Attica region, so claims and enforcement normally go through the regional labour inspectorate offices and the labour courts that cover Piraeus and Attica. Common issues under wage and hour law include entitlement to minimum pay, calculation and payment of regular pay and overtime, working time limits, rest breaks, paid annual leave, payslip and payroll-record obligations, employer social security contributions, and remedies when pay or hours rules are violated. Collective agreements and sectoral rules can provide additional or better protections than the statutory minimums.

Why You May Need a Lawyer

You may need a specialised labour lawyer in many common situations - for example if your employer fails to pay wages or overtime, makes unlawful deductions, withholds payslips or social security contributions, misclassifies you as an independent contractor, dismisses you without proper notice or cause, refuses to pay severance, denies holiday or sick pay, or if you face discrimination or retaliation for asserting your rights. A lawyer can advise on evidence you need, help send a formal demand, represent you before the Labour Inspectorate or in court, and calculate sums owed including interest, penalties and social security arrears.

Local Laws Overview

- Scope and sources of law: National labour legislation and EU working-time rules apply. Sectoral collective agreements and employment contracts can set more favourable terms that take priority over statutory minima.

- Employment status: Key to wage and hour rights is whether you are an employee or an independent contractor. Employees are generally protected by wage and hour rules and social security obligations; classification depends on the level of employer control, integration in the workplace, and economic dependence.

- Working hours and rest: Greek law implements the EU Working Time Directive. That means limits on weekly working hours, rules on night work and reduced hours in special sectors, and minimum daily and weekly rest periods. Some sectors have special reference periods for averaging hours.

- Overtime and premiums: Overtime is generally compensated either by a higher pay rate or by compensatory time off. Exact rates and rules may be set by collective agreements or the employment contract for the sector involved.

- Minimum pay and wages: The national minimum wage and statutory pay protections apply. Collective agreements can set higher standards. Employers must pay wages on time and provide clear payslips showing gross pay, deductions and net pay.

- Holiday, sick leave and maternity: Entitlements to paid annual leave, paid sick leave and maternity or parental protections exist. The details depend on length of service and contract type, and special protections apply to pregnant employees and new parents.

- Payroll, records and social security: Employers must keep payroll records, calculate and pay social security contributions to the competent authority, and issue payslips. Failure to comply can lead to administrative fines and civil claims.

- Enforcement and remedies: Complaints can be filed with the Labour Inspectorate for administrative action and with Labour Courts for civil remedies. Labour Courts can order payment of wages, compensation for unfair dismissal, reinstatement in limited cases, and award interest and costs.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Look at the reality of the working relationship - who controls when and how you work, whether the employer provides tools and materials, whether you are paid a salary and have taxes withheld, and whether your work is integrated into the employer s business. Written labels are not decisive. Misclassification can be challenged and, if successful, can restore rights to unpaid wages, social security contributions and other protections.

What are the limits on weekly working hours?

Greece implements EU working-time rules, so there are limits on average weekly working time - commonly an upper limit of 48 hours averaged over the applicable reference period. Daily and weekly minimum rest periods also apply. Certain sectors have special rules or collective-agreement variations. For precise limits in your sector consult a lawyer or the Labour Inspectorate.

Am I entitled to overtime pay and how is it calculated?

Overtime is generally compensated either by higher pay rates or by equivalent compensatory rest, depending on the contract and collective agreements. The premium rate and whether overtime is allowed depend on sector rules. Employers must record overtime hours and provide payment or compensatory time as required.

What information must appear on my payslip?

Payslips should show your pay period, gross pay, itemised deductions including taxes and social security contributions, any overtime or bonuses, and net pay. If the employer does not provide clear payslips, this is evidence you can use when making a claim.

Can my employer make deductions from my salary?

Lawful deductions include income tax and social security contributions, and other authorised or court-ordered deductions. Unauthorised or arbitrary deductions are unlawful and can be challenged. Keep bank statements and payslips to prove what you were actually paid.

What should I do if my employer has not paid my wages or overtime?

Collect evidence - employment contract, time records, payslips, bank transfers and written communications. Send a written demand to the employer documenting the amount owed and the deadline for payment. If payment is not made, you can file a complaint with the Labour Inspectorate and start a legal claim before the Labour Court. Consult a labour lawyer early to preserve evidence and meet time-limits.

How long do I have to bring a claim for unpaid wages?

There are statutory time-limits for different types of labour claims and administrative complaints. These time-limits vary depending on the claim - some matters must be brought promptly while others allow a longer period. Because deadlines can be strict, seek legal advice quickly to avoid losing the right to claim.

Am I protected against unfair dismissal?

Yes. Protection depends on your employment status, length of service and the reason for dismissal. Correct procedures, notice periods and just cause requirements apply. Some employees - for example pregnant workers, workers on parental leave, and union representatives - have special protections. Remedies for unlawful dismissal include compensation and in limited cases reinstatement.

Do part-time and temporary workers have the same rights?

Part-time and temporary workers have the same fundamental rights on a pro rata basis - for example to minimum pay, paid leave proportional to hours worked, and social security coverage. Fixed-term contracts must comply with rules that limit unlawful repeated renewals.

Where can I report labour law violations in Moschato?

You can report suspected violations to the regional Labour Inspectorate that covers Piraeus and Attica, and you can seek assistance from local trade unions or a specialised labour lawyer. Labour Court claims are the route for civil recovery of unpaid wages and compensation. A lawyer can guide you to the correct local office and help prepare the complaint.

Additional Resources

- Regional Labour Inspectorate - for inspections and administrative enforcement of wage and hour rules.

- Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs - for general information on employment rights and national policy.

- EFKA - the unified social security fund - for questions about social security contributions and entitlements.

- Local trade unions and sectoral employers associations - for information on collective agreements and sectoral practices.

- Labour Courts in the Piraeus/Attica region - for civil claims and remedies.

- Greek Bar Association and local labour lawyers - to find qualified legal representation and to check credentials.

- Municipal social services in Moschato-Piraeus - for guidance on social supports and referrals.

Next Steps

- Gather your documents - employment contract, payslips, bank statements, time records, written communications and any collective agreement that may apply.

- Keep a clear record of hours worked and any unpaid sums - include dates, times and names of witnesses if any.

- Send a written demand to your employer stating the issue and the payment or remedy you seek - keep a copy for your records.

- Contact your trade union if you are a member - unions often provide advice and representation.

- Consult a specialised labour lawyer in the Piraeus/Attica area - ask about experience with wage and hour claims, likely costs, expected timeline and whether legal aid is available if you have limited means.

- If advised, file a complaint with the Labour Inspectorate and prepare to bring a claim before the appropriate Labour Court. Consider mediation or settlement discussions if this is appropriate in your case.

- Act promptly - procedural deadlines can be strict. Early legal advice helps preserve evidence and improves the chance of a successful outcome.