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Wrongful termination - sometimes called unlawful dismissal - refers to situations where an employer ends an employment relationship in breach of contract, in violation of statutory protections, or for discriminatory or retaliatory reasons. In Elliniko, as elsewhere in Greece, employment relationships are governed by national labour law, sectoral collective agreements, and any individual employment contract. Remedies for wrongful termination can include reinstatement, payment of unpaid wages and notice, statutory severance, and compensation for moral damage. Employment disputes are usually handled through administrative channels such as the Labour Inspectorate and through the Labour Courts.
Employment disputes can be legally complex and fact sensitive. You should consider hiring a lawyer when you face any of the following situations:
- You were dismissed without a written reason or with an implausible explanation.
- You believe the dismissal was motivated by discrimination - for example related to pregnancy, gender, age, nationality, disability, union activity, or whistleblowing.
- Your employer failed to pay notice pay, severance, unpaid wages, overtime or other contractual entitlements.
- You signed a termination agreement under pressure and want to know whether you can challenge it.
- You face a collective redundancy or a mass layoff and need help understanding employer obligations and consultation requirements.
- You are a union representative or an employee on protected leave and were dismissed in a way that appears retaliatory.
A lawyer can assess whether the dismissal was lawful, calculate probable entitlements, represent you before the Labour Inspectorate and the Labour Courts, negotiate settlements, and help you act within procedural time limits that may be short.
Key legal aspects that are particularly relevant in Elliniko and across Greece include:
- Employment contracts and formality: Both written and oral contracts can create employment rights, but written contracts make disputes easier to prove. Collective agreements can add protections and pay scales.
- Notice periods and severance: Employees are generally entitled to notice or pay in lieu and to statutory severance depending on length of service and the reason for dismissal. Exact amounts vary by law and contract.
- Protected categories: Special protections exist for pregnant employees, employees on maternity or parental leave, those on long-term sick leave in many cases, union officials and employee representatives, and for workers who report illegal activity - whistleblowers.
- Procedural requirements: Certain dismissals require specific procedural steps - for example, disciplinary procedures before dismissal or consultation obligations in collective redundancies. Failure to follow required procedures can make a dismissal unlawful.
- Remedies and forum: Initial administrative complaints can be raised with the Labour Inspectorate. Employment claims for wrongful dismissal are typically decided by the Labour Courts. Remedies can include reinstatement, back pay, severance, and compensation for moral or material harm.
- Collective redundancies and consultation: Employers carrying out mass layoffs must follow statutory notification and consultation rules, and may need to inform authorities and employee representatives in advance.
- Influence of EU law: Greek employment law is influenced by European Union directives on anti-discrimination, collective redundancies and working time. EU law can shape how national courts interpret worker protections.
Wrongful termination generally includes dismissals that breach an employment contract, violate statutory protections, are discriminatory or retaliatory, or occur without required notice or severance. It also includes dismissals where the employer failed to follow mandated procedures such as disciplinary hearings or consultation for collective redundancies.
Time limits apply to employment claims and can be relatively short. For that reason you should act promptly - gather documents, contact your union if you have one, and seek legal advice immediately to ensure you do not miss any deadlines.
Reinstatement is a possible remedy in wrongful termination cases, but courts do not always order it. Whether reinstatement is likely depends on the circumstances - for example the employer-employee relationship, the reason for dismissal, and available evidence. If reinstatement is not ordered, courts may award financial compensation.
Possible compensation may include unpaid wages, pay in lieu of notice, statutory severance based on length of service, overtime or benefits owed, and in some cases damages for moral harm. The exact amount depends on the facts, the length of employment, and legal provisions or collective agreements that apply to your job.
Yes. Fixed-term contracts normally end at the agreed date unless unlawfully terminated earlier. Wrongful early termination of a fixed-term contract can give rise to claims for unpaid wages and damages. Probationary periods allow employers to assess fit, but dismissals during probation must still respect statutory protections and must not be for unlawful reasons like discrimination.
Greek law provides special protections for pregnancy, maternity, and certain types of leave. Dismissing an employee because of pregnancy or while she is on protected leave is likely to be unlawful and can lead to strong remedies. If you are in this situation, consult a lawyer as soon as possible.
Collect and preserve documents - the dismissal letter, employment contract, pay slips, emails and any performance reviews or warnings. Make a written note of conversations and dates. Contact your union, the Labour Inspectorate, and consider getting legal advice to understand your rights and next steps.
Possibly. Settlement agreements are generally binding if entered into freely and knowingly. If you signed under pressure, without proper information, or due to misleading statements, you may have grounds to challenge the agreement. Seek legal advice quickly, since challenges can be time-limited.
Yes. Your trade union can provide support, representation and negotiation assistance. The Labour Inspectorate can investigate breaches of employment law and intervene administratively. Both can be valuable before or alongside court proceedings.
Lawyers may charge hourly rates, fixed fees, or contingency fees in certain cases. Costs vary by lawyer and the complexity of the case. Legal aid or pro bono assistance may be available for eligible low-income individuals. Discuss fees and likely costs with a lawyer at your first meeting and ask for a written fee agreement where possible.
Below are organizations and bodies that can be helpful when dealing with wrongful termination in Elliniko:
- Hellenic Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs - for information about national labour rules and rights.
- Labour Inspectorate - for reporting statutory breaches and seeking administrative inspections.
- Greek Ombudsman - for assistance in cases involving public-sector employment or breaches of rights by public authorities.
- Athens Bar Association - for referrals to qualified employment lawyers in the Athens area, including Elliniko.
- Your workplace trade union or sectoral union - for representation and collective support.
- Local legal aid clinics and non-governmental organizations - for low-cost or pro bono advice if you have limited means.
1. Preserve evidence - keep all contracts, pay slips, written dismissals, emails, messages and notes of conversations with your employer.
2. Seek immediate advice - contact a qualified employment lawyer or your union to get an early assessment and avoid missing deadlines.
3. Consider administrative options - report the matter to the Labour Inspectorate so it can investigate statutory breaches.
4. Evaluate remedies - with your lawyer decide whether to pursue reinstatement, financial compensation, or a negotiated settlement.
5. Prepare for court if necessary - your lawyer can file the appropriate claim with the Labour Court and represent you in proceedings or mediation.
Taking prompt, documented steps and getting professional advice will give you the best chance to protect your rights after a dismissal in Elliniko. If you are unsure where to start, contact the Athens Bar Association or your sectoral union for a referral to an employment specialist.
