Best Wrongful Termination Lawyers in Acharnes

About Wrongful Termination Law in Acharnes, Greece

Wrongful termination in Acharnes is governed by national Greek employment law and by any applicable collective agreements - not by a separate municipal law. If an employer ends an employment relationship in a way that violates the employment contract, statutory protections, or fundamental rights, the dismissal can be challenged as wrongful. Common categories include dismissals without valid cause, dismissals based on discrimination or retaliation, dismissals that ignore statutory notice or severance requirements, and dismissals that violate procedural protections for specific groups such as pregnant employees or union representatives.

Why You May Need a Lawyer

Employment disputes can be legally and emotionally complex. A lawyer who knows Greek labour law and local practice in Attica can help you in several common situations:

- You received a dismissal letter that you believe is without cause or based on false grounds.

- You were dismissed after raising safety concerns, reporting illegal conduct, or engaging in union activity - situations that may be protected by law.

- You were not given the required notice period or severance pay, or your employer insists you sign a settlement or release under pressure.

- Your dismissal appears discriminatory - for example based on gender, pregnancy, age, disability, religion, nationality, or sexual orientation.

- Your employer failed to follow required procedures for collective redundancies or mass layoffs, or you suspect the dismissal is part of a hidden collective scheme.

- You need help calculating lost wages, severance, or other damages and want representation before the labour inspectorate or labour court.

- You want to explore alternatives such as settlement negotiations, mediation, or reinstatement and need professional advice on likely outcomes and risks.

Local Laws Overview

The following points summarize the key legal aspects you should know - these apply nationally and are enforced locally in Acharnes through regional offices and courts in Attica.

- Employment relationship and contracts - Most employees work under a written or verbal contract. Terms of the contract plus national law and collective agreements determine notice periods, severance, and dismissal grounds.

- Valid reasons for dismissal - Employers must usually have an objective and lawful reason for dismissal such as serious misconduct, redundancy for economic reasons, or prolonged inability to work for health reasons. Procedural fairness and proof are important.

- Procedural obligations - Employers often must follow specific procedures before dismissing staff in certain situations - for example consultations for collective redundancies and prior notice for protected categories. Failure to follow procedure can make a dismissal unlawful.

- Notice periods and severance - Notice periods and severance entitlements depend on the length and type of employment, the reason for dismissal, and any applicable collective agreement. Employers who fail to provide the required notice or severance may owe compensation.

- Protections against discrimination and retaliation - Greek law and EU-derived protections prohibit dismissing someone for discriminatory reasons or in retaliation for protected actions such as whistleblowing or trade union activity.

- Remedies - Remedies for wrongful termination can include reinstatement, back pay, compensation for lost wages and benefits, severance, and moral damages. The exact remedies and calculation methods depend on the case facts and court rulings.

- Time limits and procedures - Labour disputes may require complaints to labour inspectors, pre-action conciliation attempts, or direct court actions. Time limits for bringing claims are strict - often measured in weeks or a few months - so early action is important.

- Enforcement and local institutions - Labour Inspectorate offices, labour courts, and public employment services in Attica handle investigations, mediation and litigation. Local trade unions may provide practical and legal support.

Frequently Asked Questions

What counts as wrongful termination in Acharnes?

Wrongful termination includes any dismissal that breaches the employment contract, violates statutory protections, is discriminatory, or ignores required procedures or notice and severance obligations. Dismissal in retaliation for protected actions or dismissal that fails to follow required consultation processes can be wrongful.

How soon should I act after being dismissed?

Act promptly. Labour claims have strict time limits and some procedures require early notification or conciliation. Contact a lawyer or the local labour inspectorate in Attica as soon as possible to understand applicable deadlines.

Can I be reinstated if my dismissal is found wrongful?

Reinstatement can be a possible remedy, but availability depends on the facts, the relationship with the employer, and the court or settlement outcome. Often parties negotiate compensation instead of reinstatement. A lawyer can advise on which remedy is realistic in your case.

What evidence should I gather?

Keep your employment contract, payslips, tax and social security records, the dismissal letter, emails or messages related to the dismissal, performance reviews, witness contact details, and any correspondence about prior warnings or disputes. This evidence helps establish the facts and calculate losses.

Do I need to involve the Labour Inspectorate?

The Labour Inspectorate (S.EP.E.) can investigate breaches of labour law, workplace safety issues, and formal complaints. Filing a complaint can support your position and may trigger an inspection. A lawyer can advise whether a complaint to the inspectorate should be filed before or in parallel with court action.

What if I was dismissed while pregnant or as a parent?

Pregnant employees and certain parental situations have enhanced protections. Dismissals related to pregnancy, childbirth or parental leave are treated with special scrutiny and may be automatically unfair unless the employer proves a lawful and unrelated reason.

What is the role of collective agreements and unions?

Collective agreements can provide stronger protections than national law, including better notice, severance, or procedure for dismissals. Unions can provide advice, support, and collective pressure, and may represent members in disputes or collective redundancy consultations.

Can my employer make me sign a waiver or settlement to avoid a claim?

Be cautious. Signing a waiver or settlement can limit your legal rights. Such documents should be reviewed by a lawyer to ensure the terms are fair and to confirm you are not being coerced. If you signed under duress or without proper information, the agreement may be challengeable.

What compensation can I expect for wrongful termination?

Compensation may cover unpaid wages, severance, interest, lost benefits, possibly moral damages, and in some cases reinstatement. The exact amount depends on the dismissal reason, length of service, salary level, and judicial assessment. A lawyer can help calculate potential damages.

Should I pursue settlement or go to court?

That decision depends on your goals, the strength of the evidence, the costs and duration of litigation, and the employer's willingness to negotiate. Many cases settle through negotiation or mediation. A lawyer can assess the strengths and risks of settlement versus litigation and represent you in negotiations.

Additional Resources

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

- Labour Inspectorate (S.EP.E.) - handles workplace inspections and complaints about labour law breaches.

- Labour Courts in Attica - forums for employment disputes arising in Acharnes and surrounding areas.

- OAED - Public Employment Service - for unemployment registration and benefits after dismissal.

- Hellenic Ombudsman - for complaints involving administrative issues or discrimination by public bodies.

- Local trade unions and the General Confederation of Greek Workers - for collective support and advice.

- Professional labour lawyers and law firms in Acharnes and greater Athens - seek an attorney with experience in wrongful termination and employment litigation.

Next Steps

If you believe you have been wrongfully terminated, follow these practical steps:

- Preserve documents - keep your contract, payslips, dismissal letter, emails, messages, and any relevant workplace records.

- Note important dates - record the date of dismissal and any related meetings or communications. Time limits are strict.

- Avoid signing anything without advice - do not sign waivers or settlement offers until a lawyer has reviewed them.

- Seek legal advice - consult a lawyer experienced in Greek labour law and local practice in Attica. Many lawyers offer an initial assessment.

- Consider filing a complaint with the Labour Inspectorate - this can support investigations and may be a required step before court action in some cases.

- Talk to your union - if you are a member, your union can advise and may offer representation or mediation support.

- Prepare for negotiation - a lawyer can calculate likely compensation, prepare legal pleadings, and negotiate a settlement if appropriate.

- If litigation is necessary - your lawyer will advise on the most appropriate forum, the likely remedies, and the costs and timeline involved.

Acting promptly and getting clear legal advice will give you the best chance to protect your rights and obtain a fair outcome. If you need help finding a local employment lawyer in Acharnes, contact regional legal associations or the Attica bar for referrals.