Best Wrongful Termination Lawyers in Nea Smyrni

About Wrongful Termination Law in Nea Smyrni, Greece

Wrongful termination refers to the unlawful ending of an employment relationship by an employer. In Nea Smyrni - as across Greece - employment relationships are governed by national labour law, collective agreements where applicable, and the individual employment contract. Employees with indefinite-term contracts generally have stronger protections than those on fixed-term or casual contracts. Certain categories of employees - for example pregnant workers, employee representatives, employees on sick leave, and whistleblowers - receive special protection from dismissal. Remedies for unlawful dismissal can include reinstatement, compensation, or other damages depending on the circumstances and court findings.

Why You May Need a Lawyer

Employment disputes can be legally complex and procedurally strict. You may need a lawyer if any of the following apply:

- You received a dismissal letter but believe the stated reason is false, exaggerated, or a pretext for an unlawful motive, such as discrimination or retaliation.

- You are a protected employee - for example pregnant, a union representative, or on sick leave - and you suspect the dismissal relates to your protected status.

- Your employer failed to follow required procedural steps - such as notice rules, consultation obligations in collective redundancies, or the formalities for dismissal provided in your contract or an applicable collective agreement.

- You were dismissed without proper notice or without payment of statutory severance or outstanding wages, holiday pay, or social insurance contributions.

- You want to pursue reinstatement or calculate fair compensation and need help assessing realistic remedies and prospects.

- You need help preserving evidence, preparing a claim for the labour court, or negotiating a settlement.

Local Laws Overview

Key aspects of Greek employment law that are particularly relevant in Nea Smyrni include the following:

- Types of contracts - Indefinite-term and fixed-term contracts are treated differently. Indefinite-term employees enjoy broader protections against dismissal.

- Grounds for dismissal - Employers must have a lawful reason to terminate employment. Lawful reasons include serious misconduct, objective business needs, or justified redundancy. Dismissals that are discriminatory, retaliatory, or aimed at avoiding statutory protections may be declared unlawful.

- Procedural requirements - Employers must follow contract terms and any applicable collective agreement when dismissing an employee. For collective redundancies there are additional consultation and notification duties toward employees and authorities.

- Remedies - Courts can order reinstatement, award compensation for lost earnings, and grant damages for moral harm in certain cases. The exact remedy depends on the nature of the illegality and the employee s status.

- Special protections - Law protects specific groups from termination or gives them priority in employment continuity. Examples include employees on maternity leave, trade union officials, and employees who report illegal activity.

- Social security and benefits - Employers must keep social security contributions up to date. Termination may affect entitlement to unemployment benefits - you should check eligibility rules with the social insurance authority.

- Dispute resolution - Employment disputes are decided by the labour courts and may involve administrative bodies such as the Labour Inspectorate. There may be opportunities for conciliation or settlement before or during litigation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What counts as wrongful termination in Nea Smyrni?

Wrongful termination generally means a dismissal that breaches legal protections, the employment contract, or an applicable collective agreement. Examples include dismissal for discriminatory reasons, dismissal without the required procedural steps, dismissal in retaliation for protected activities, and dismissal of specially protected employees without a lawful justification.

What should I do immediately after I am dismissed?

Ask for a written termination letter if you do not already have one, make a note of the date and any verbal reasons given, collect payslips, your employment contract, any communications - such as emails or messages - related to the dismissal, and list witnesses. Contact your trade union or a labour lawyer promptly, since time limits to act can apply.

Can an employer dismiss me without notice?

Employers may dismiss for serious misconduct without notice in some cases, but the facts must justify summary dismissal. For ordinary dismissals, notice periods or payment in lieu of notice typically apply, depending on the contract or statutory rules. If notice is not properly given or paid, the employee may be entitled to compensation.

Am I entitled to severance pay?

Entitlement to severance depends on the type of termination and the length of service. Some lawful dismissals - such as redundancy or termination by the employer without cause - may trigger statutory severance payments. The exact calculation depends on the law in force, collective agreements, and the terms of the employment contract.

Can I be reinstated instead of receiving compensation?

Reinstatement is a possible remedy for unlawful dismissal but it is not automatic. Courts will consider the facts, workplace relations, and whether reinstatement is practical. In many cases courts award compensation for lost earnings instead of ordering reinstatement.

How long do I have to file a claim?

There are strict time limits for taking legal action in employment matters. Because statutory deadlines vary by claim type and circumstances, you should contact a lawyer quickly to avoid missing the deadline that applies to your case.

Can I challenge a dismissal that I believe was discriminatory?

Yes. Dismissals based on race, religion, gender, sexual orientation, pregnancy, disability, age, or other protected characteristics are unlawful. A lawyer can help you gather supporting evidence and bring a claim for discrimination and wrongful termination.

What evidence is most useful in a wrongful termination case?

Useful evidence includes the written termination notice, employment contract, payslips, performance reviews, emails or messages showing the employer s motive, witness statements, records of meetings, and any evidence of similar treatment of other employees. Keep originals and make copies.

Do I need to involve the Labour Inspectorate or go straight to court?

Many people contact the Labour Inspectorate to report labour law breaches and seek administrative intervention. However, if you seek legal remedies such as reinstatement or compensation, you will often need to bring a claim before the labour courts. A lawyer can advise on the best sequence of steps.

How much will hiring a lawyer cost and can I get legal aid?

Costs vary by lawyer and case complexity. Some lawyers offer an initial consultation at a fixed fee. If you cannot afford private counsel, you may explore legal aid schemes, pro bono services from bar associations, or trade union legal assistance. Ask potential lawyers about fee structures, including contingency arrangements where appropriate.

Additional Resources

The following local resources can be helpful if you face wrongful termination in Nea Smyrni:

- Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs - oversees national labour policy and employment rights enforcement.

- Labour Inspectorate - enforces labour law compliance and can investigate employer violations.

- Social insurance authority - for queries about social security contributions and unemployment benefits.

- Labour Courts - the judicial body that decides employment disputes.

- Athens Bar Association - for referrals to qualified employment law lawyers in the Athens area, including Nea Smyrni.

- Trade unions and sectoral labour organizations - can offer advice, representation, or support in disputes.

- Citizens Service Centers - local administrative offices that can help with forms and information.

- Worker support NGOs and legal aid clinics - may provide low-cost or free legal advice depending on eligibility.

Next Steps

If you believe you have been wrongfully terminated, follow this practical checklist:

- Preserve evidence - keep the termination letter, contract, payslips, emails, messages, performance appraisals, and any witness details.

- Create a clear timeline - note dates of events, meetings, warnings, and when you were dismissed.

- Request written reasons - ask your employer in writing to confirm the reason for dismissal if it is not clear.

- Contact your trade union - if you are a member, notify them and ask for assistance.

- Seek legal advice - consult an employment lawyer experienced in Greek labour law to assess your case and explain your rights and remedies.

- Consider administrative options - the Labour Inspectorate may be able to investigate or mediate certain complaints.

- Be mindful of deadlines - act quickly to preserve your right to file court claims or administrative complaints.

- Explore settlement - with legal advice, consider whether a negotiated settlement is preferable to litigation given the facts and costs.

- If you proceed to court - your lawyer will prepare the claim, file the necessary documents, and represent you before the labour court.

Early advice from a local employment lawyer will help you understand the strength of your case, the likely remedies, and the best route to protect your rights in Nea Smyrni.