Best Wrongful Termination Lawyers in Vouliagmeni

About Wrongful Termination Law in Vouliagmeni, Greece

Wrongful termination in Vouliagmeni is governed by Greek national labor law, which applies uniformly across the country. In Greece, employers may generally terminate an indefinite term employment contract, but only if they follow strict legal requirements and do not violate protected rights. A dismissal may be unlawful if it is based on a prohibited reason, if it is abusive, or if the employer fails to comply with formalities such as written notice and statutory severance. For fixed term contracts, early termination is only allowed for serious cause. Vouliagmeni is part of the Attica region, so cases are typically handled through the Athens labor courts and the Hellenic Labor Inspectorate offices that cover South Athens.

If a termination is unlawful, employees may be entitled to reinstatement, back pay, social security contributions, and or compensation. Many disputes are resolved through the Hellenic Labor Inspectorate or through out of court settlements before court proceedings become necessary.

Why You May Need a Lawyer

A lawyer can help you understand whether your dismissal was valid under Greek law, which can be complex and highly technical. Common situations where legal help is valuable include terminations without written notice or proper severance, dismissals during pregnancy or parental leave, alleged redundancy selections, claims of discrimination or retaliation after you exercised a lawful right, early termination of a fixed term contract, constructive dismissal where working conditions were made intolerable, and terminations following whistleblowing or health and safety complaints.

Legal counsel can assess deadlines, calculate severance and back pay, gather and preserve evidence, represent you before the Hellenic Labor Inspectorate for a conciliation meeting, negotiate a settlement agreement, and file a lawsuit if needed. If you are a foreign or seasonal worker, or work in sectors common in Vouliagmeni such as hospitality and tourism, a lawyer can also check applicable collective agreements and sector specific rules.

Local Laws Overview

National framework. Greek labor law governs dismissals across Greece, including Vouliagmeni. Key sources include long standing statutes on termination of salaried employees, collective redundancies, union protections, equal treatment and anti discrimination, protections for pregnancy and parenting, and recent reforms that modernize procedures and strengthen protections.

Formal requirements for terminating indefinite term employment. A dismissal must be in writing, must comply with statutory notice and or severance rules based on length of service, and must be reported to the national ERGANI information system by the employer. Severance is calculated according to a statutory schedule that depends on years of service and whether notice is given. Failure to meet formalities can render the dismissal null and void.

Prohibited and abusive dismissals. A termination is unlawful if it is based on protected characteristics such as sex, race, religion, disability, age, sexual orientation, or other grounds protected by equal treatment law. It is also unlawful to dismiss because of pregnancy, maternity, paternity or parental leave, lawful union activity, whistleblowing, filing a complaint with the labor authorities, or exercising legal rights such as requesting owed wages or annual leave. Pregnant employees are protected against dismissal during pregnancy and for a significant period after childbirth except for serious cause unrelated to pregnancy. Dismissal may also be struck down as abusive if it is contrary to good faith and social norms, for example when it is retaliatory or manifestly unjustified in context.

Fixed term contracts. Early termination of a fixed term contract is permitted only for serious cause. If the employer ends the contract early without serious cause, the employee is typically entitled to compensation for the remaining term.

Collective redundancies. If an employer in the area conducts large scale redundancies, specific consultation procedures with employee representatives and notifications to authorities apply. Failure to follow these procedures can invalidate dismissals.

Remedies. If a dismissal is invalid, courts often order reinstatement with back pay and restoration of social insurance, or award compensation depending on the claim. Many disputes first go to the Hellenic Labor Inspectorate for a meeting to attempt settlement. Strict time limits can apply to some claims, including claims related to severance and challenging the validity of a dismissal, so prompt action is important.

Sector specifics in Vouliagmeni. Hospitality, tourism, retail, and food service are prominent in the area. Sectoral collective bargaining agreements and company policies may set better terms on notice, severance supplements, or redundancy selection criteria. A lawyer can check which agreement applies to your workplace.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Greece an at will employment country

No. While employers can terminate indefinite term contracts, they must comply with legal formalities and cannot fire for prohibited or abusive reasons. Violating these rules makes a dismissal unlawful.

What makes a dismissal invalid in Vouliagmeni

Common reasons include lack of written notice, failure to pay statutory severance, failure to notify the termination in the ERGANI system, dismissal for discriminatory or retaliatory reasons, dismissal during protected periods such as pregnancy or parental leave except for serious cause, and non compliance with collective redundancy procedures.

How is severance calculated

Statutory severance depends on total years of service with the employer and whether the employer gives prior notice. The law sets a schedule and caps. Employers often must pay severance promptly and via traceable means. A lawyer can estimate the exact amount based on your contract, salary components, and tenure.

Can my employer dismiss me while I am on sick leave

There is no absolute ban on dismissal during sickness, but such dismissals are closely scrutinized and may be found abusive or discriminatory depending on the facts. If you suspect retaliation for a medical condition or for taking sick leave, seek legal advice immediately.

What if I am on a fixed term contract and got terminated early

Early termination is lawful only for serious cause. If serious cause is absent, you may claim compensation typically linked to the remaining period of the contract. Keep your contract and any notices you received.

I was told to resign or accept a lower role. Is that constructive dismissal

If your employer unilaterally imposes substantial and harmful changes to key terms such as pay, duties, or location, you may argue constructive dismissal. Greek courts assess whether the changes exceed the employer’s managerial prerogative. Get legal advice before resigning so you do not lose rights.

Do I have to sign a settlement agreement on the spot

No. You do not have to sign immediately. Ask for time to review, request a copy, and consult a lawyer. Ensure the agreement clearly states the amounts, payment method, tax treatment, and whether you waive claims. Do not sign anything you do not understand.

How do I prove wrongful termination

Useful evidence includes your employment contract, payslips, ERGANI filings, termination letter, severance payment proof, emails or messages, witness statements, performance records, and any complaint you made to the Labor Inspectorate. Keep copies of everything and back up digital communications.

Where will my case be heard

Vouliagmeni falls under the courts and labor authorities serving the South Athens area. Many cases start with a conciliation at the Hellenic Labor Inspectorate. If litigation is needed, labor disputes are heard by the competent Athens court.

What are the deadlines to act

Some labor claims in Greece have short deadlines that can range from weeks to months, especially for challenging dismissal validity or claiming severance shortfalls. Do not delay. Contact a lawyer or the Hellenic Labor Inspectorate as soon as possible.

Additional Resources

Hellenic Labor Inspectorate. Independent authority that handles labor complaints, conducts inspections, and facilitates settlement meetings. You can file a complaint and request a hearing.

Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs 1555 Helpline. A nationwide number that provides information on labor rights, social security, and procedures.

Hellenic Public Employment Service DYPA. Provides unemployment benefits and guidance after termination. Register promptly if you are unemployed.

Greek Ombudsman Equality Body. Handles discrimination and equal treatment complaints related to employment.

Athens Bar Association Lawyer Referral. Can help you find labor law counsel who practices in South Athens and Vouliagmeni.

Citizens Service Centers KEP in Vari Voula Vouliagmeni. Assist with documentation, applications, and guidance on public services related to employment matters.

Trade unions and sectoral federations. If you are in hospitality, tourism, retail, or food service, your union can offer advice on collective agreements and support during disputes.

Next Steps

Write down a clear timeline of events, including hiring date, job title, salary, performance reviews, any disputes, and the exact date and manner of termination. Save the termination letter, any severance payment proof, and communications with your employer.

Gather documents such as your employment contract, amendments, payslips, ERGANI printouts if you have them, medical or leave certificates, and any internal policies or collective agreements that apply to your workplace.

Do not sign a resignation or settlement under pressure. Ask for time to review and consult a lawyer. Signing a resignation could waive severance and other rights.

Contact the Hellenic Labor Inspectorate to file a complaint and request a conciliation meeting. Many disputes settle quickly at this stage. If settlement fails, your lawyer can file a lawsuit before the competent court.

Register with the Hellenic Public Employment Service DYPA if you are unemployed so you can assess eligibility for benefits and active labor market programs.

Act quickly. Some claims are subject to short deadlines. Early legal advice improves your chances of securing reinstatement, back pay, or a fair settlement.

This guide is for general information only and is not legal advice. For advice on your situation in Vouliagmeni, consult a qualified labor lawyer in the Attica region.