Best Wrongful Termination Lawyers in Arta

About Wrongful Termination Law in Arta, Greece

Wrongful termination in Arta follows the rules of Greek employment law, which applies uniformly across the country. In Greece, an employer may generally end an open-ended employment contract without having to state a specific reason, but only if strict legal formalities are followed and the termination is not prohibited by law. A termination is wrongful if it is discriminatory, retaliatory, abusive, or carried out in violation of mandatory procedures, or if it takes place during periods when dismissal is legally protected. Early termination of a fixed-term contract without serious reason can also be unlawful.

Typical examples include dismissal because of pregnancy or recent childbirth, union activity, whistleblowing, protected leaves, discrimination on grounds such as sex, race, religion, disability, age, or if the employer fails to deliver a written termination, pay statutory severance where due, or file the termination in the national ERGANI system. If a termination is invalid, the employee may seek reinstatement and back pay. If it is lawful, the employee is often entitled to statutory severance and payment of accrued benefits.

Local practice in Arta involves the same national agencies that oversee employment matters everywhere in Greece, including the Hellenic Labor Inspectorate and the courts with jurisdiction over labor disputes. Because deadlines and paperwork are critical, prompt action is essential if you suspect wrongful termination.

Why You May Need a Lawyer

Employment dismissal rules in Greece combine statutory requirements, collective agreements, ministerial decisions, and court precedents. A lawyer helps you evaluate whether your termination was invalid, abusive, or discriminatory, and whether you should pursue reinstatement, compensation, or both. Counsel can also calculate severance and accrued entitlements, which depend on tenure and pay, and verify whether ERGANI filings and written notices were done properly.

Early legal guidance is especially valuable if you were asked to resign, offered a settlement to sign quickly, or dismissed during a period of special protection such as pregnancy, parental leave, or union service. A lawyer can represent you before the Hellenic Labor Inspectorate in Arta area conciliations, negotiate a settlement, or file a lawsuit within the short time limits that apply to dismissal claims. If your case involves collective redundancies, company reorganizations, or cross-border work, specialized advice is critical.

Local Laws Overview

Written form and ERGANI filing. A dismissal from an open-ended contract must be in writing and must be reported by the employer to the ERGANI electronic system. In practice, employees should receive a written termination document and proof of ERGANI submission. Failure to observe formality and filing requirements can render the dismissal invalid.

Severance and notice. Statutory severance for open-ended contracts generally depends on length of service and the wage used for severance calculations. Employers may either give notice and pay reduced severance, or end the contract immediately and pay the full statutory severance. The rules are detailed and have changed over time, so precise calculations should be checked against current law. Severance is typically payable at the time of termination.

Fixed-term contracts. Ending a fixed-term contract early without serious reason can be unlawful. In such cases, employees may be entitled to compensation that can reach the wages due for the remaining term.

Prohibited and abusive dismissals. Dismissal is prohibited or void in specific situations, including during pregnancy and for a period after childbirth, during protected parental and paternity leave, for union-protected roles, and where the motive is discriminatory or retaliatory. Even where termination without cause is allowed, using termination rights in an abusive manner can make the dismissal invalid under the Civil Code.

Collective redundancies. Layoffs above certain monthly thresholds trigger special procedures for information and consultation with employee representatives. Employers in Arta must follow these national procedures when they apply, regardless of company location.

Unemployment and benefits. After termination, eligible workers can register with the Public Employment Service for unemployment support. Employers must also pay all accrued salary, unused leave, and provide certificates needed for benefits and social insurance updates.

Dispute resolution and courts. The Hellenic Labor Inspectorate offers complaint handling and conciliation. Labor disputes are heard by the competent court in Arta using a special labor procedure. Remedies for invalid dismissal can include reinstatement and back pay. Deadlines to act can be short, so prompt consultation is advisable.

Frequently Asked Questions

What counts as wrongful termination in Arta, Greece

Wrongful termination includes dismissals that are discriminatory, retaliatory, abusive, or in breach of legal formalities. Examples are firing someone due to pregnancy, union activity, or protected characteristics, terminating without a written notice or ERGANI filing, or ending a fixed-term contract early without serious reason. A termination can also be invalid if mandatory severance is not properly addressed.

Do employers need a reason to fire me

For open-ended contracts, employers are not required to state a reason, but they must comply with strict procedures and cannot dismiss for prohibited or abusive reasons. Protected periods such as maternity and certain parental leaves bar dismissal except under specific and serious conditions unrelated to the protection.

What documents should I receive when I am dismissed

You should receive a written termination notice, proof or details of the ERGANI filing, payment of any statutory severance, final pay including unused leave, and documents needed for unemployment registration and social insurance updates. Keep all pay slips, agreements, and correspondence related to your employment and termination.

How is severance calculated

Statutory severance for open-ended contracts depends mainly on your length of service and the wage base for severance. If the employer gives advance notice, severance may be lower. If termination is immediate, severance is typically higher. Because the rules have been amended over time and can interact with collective agreements, ask a lawyer to verify your exact entitlement.

What if I was asked to resign or sign a settlement

If you were pressured to resign or sign documents on the spot, seek legal advice before signing. A resignation can deprive you of severance and benefits. A lawyer can review whether the resignation was truly voluntary, whether the terms are fair, and whether you should revoke consent, file a complaint, or negotiate different terms.

Am I protected from dismissal during pregnancy or parental leave

Yes. Greek law prohibits dismissing employees due to pregnancy and for a legally defined period after childbirth. There are also protections for paternity and parental leave. Dismissals in these periods are generally void unless the employer proves a serious reason unrelated to the protected status and complies with all legal requirements.

Can I challenge a termination and get my job back

If a dismissal is invalid, courts may order reinstatement and back pay. Alternatively, employees may seek compensation, unpaid wages, and benefits. The best remedy depends on your goals and the specific facts. Acting quickly is important because dismissal-related claims can be subject to short deadlines.

How long do I have to contest a wrongful termination

Deadlines are strict and can be short, with some dismissal-related claims measured in months rather than years. Because time limits vary by claim type and circumstances, contact a lawyer immediately after termination to protect your rights.

What if I was fired for economic reasons or performance issues

Economic or performance-related dismissals can be lawful if the employer follows proper procedures and the decision is not discriminatory or abusive. In collective redundancy situations, special information and consultation processes must be followed. If procedures were not respected or the reasons were a pretext, you may have a valid claim.

How do I start a complaint in Arta

You can file a complaint with the Hellenic Labor Inspectorate, which can arrange a meeting with the employer and attempt conciliation. You may also send a formal protest letter through a lawyer and file a lawsuit at the competent court in Arta. Preserve all evidence and act promptly to meet any procedural deadlines.

Additional Resources

Hellenic Labor Inspectorate. Independent authority that receives complaints, conducts inspections, and facilitates labor dispute conciliations.

Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs. Provides policy, guidance, and oversees the ERGANI information system for employment filings.

Public Employment Service DYPA. Handles unemployment registration, benefits, and active labor market programs after termination.

EFKA Single Social Security Entity. Manages social insurance records and contributions that may need correction after a dismissal.

Mediation and Arbitration Service OMED. National body for mediation and arbitration mainly in collective labor disputes, with guidance relevant to workplace relations.

Greek Ombudsman Equal Treatment. Receives complaints about discrimination in employment and can investigate and recommend remedies.

Arta Bar Association. Local professional body that can help you find a lawyer experienced in labor and employment law in the Arta area.

Next Steps

Write down a detailed timeline of events, including dates, names, and what was said or sent. Save all documents such as the termination letter, ERGANI receipts, pay slips, contracts, emails, and messages.

Do not sign a resignation, settlement, or release until a lawyer reviews it. Ask promptly for any missing documents, including severance calculations and certificates needed for unemployment registration.

Consult a labor lawyer in Arta as soon as possible. Bring your documents to check the validity of the termination, severance, and any claims for wages, benefits, or damages. Your lawyer may send a formal notice, file a complaint with the Hellenic Labor Inspectorate, seek a conciliation meeting, or start court proceedings.

If eligible, register with the Public Employment Service DYPA without delay to avoid losing benefits. Monitor your social insurance record with EFKA to ensure contributions and termination dates are correct.

Because employment laws and deadlines can change and depend on individual facts, personalized legal advice is essential. Acting quickly protects your rights and maximizes your options for settlement, reinstatement, or compensation.