Employment Law in Athens
Employment relationships in Greece are governed by an extensive framework of legislation, collective agreements and case law. Employers must comply with rules on working time, overtime, minimum wages, statutory bonuses, leave entitlements, health and safety, and the digital registration of employees and working hours. Dismissals must follow specific procedures and severance rules, and collective redundancies are subject to strict requirements.
Recent reforms have introduced the digital work card, new rules on teleworking, the right to disconnect and greater protections against workplace harassment. For both employers and employees in Athens, expert legal guidance is essential to manage risks and resolve disputes effectively.
Top 10 Employment Law Practices in Athens
1. Ballas, Pelecanos and Associates
Ballas, Pelecanos and Associates is widely recognized as one of the leading employment law firms in Greece. It advises multinational and Greek employers on restructurings, collective redundancies, executive contracts, trade union relations and employment litigation.
2. Rokas Law Firm
Rokas has a long-established labor law practice representing employers in disputes and advising on employment contracts, reorganizations and compliance. Its partners have extensive courtroom experience in employment matters.
3. Kyriakides Georgopoulos Law Firm
Kyriakides Georgopoulos advises on all aspects of employment law, including transactions, transfers of undertakings, incentive plans and workplace investigations. Its employment team works closely with its corporate group on mergers and acquisitions.
4. Koutalidis Law Firm
Koutalidis provides employment advice to large corporations, particularly in banking, energy and infrastructure. It assists with voluntary exit schemes, collective agreements and compliance with labor legislation.
5. Zepos and Yannopoulos
Zepos and Yannopoulos offers employment and pensions advice, as well as support on remuneration structures and the tax treatment of employee benefits, making it valuable for multinational employers.
6. Bernitsas Law
Bernitsas Law advises on employment aspects of corporate transactions, executive arrangements and regulatory compliance. Its employment lawyers support international clients during acquisitions and integrations in Greece.
7. Potamitis Vekris
Potamitis Vekris assists with employment issues arising in restructurings and insolvencies, including workforce reductions, employee claims and negotiations with employee representatives.
8. Kremalis Law Firm
Kremalis Law Firm, part of the EY Law network, advises on employment law, global mobility and compliance. It helps businesses implement new legislative requirements such as the digital work card and teleworking policies.
9. Lambadarios Law Firm
Lambadarios represents both employers and employees in employment disputes, including wrongful dismissal claims, unpaid wages and harassment cases. Its balanced experience provides insight into how disputes are resolved in Greek courts.
10. Employee Rights Advocacy Practices
Several Athens law offices focus specifically on representing employees. They handle claims for unfair dismissal, unpaid overtime, workplace discrimination and occupational accidents, and are often the first port of call for workers seeking advice on their rights.
Common Employment Law Issues in Athens
Employers frequently seek advice on drafting compliant employment contracts, managing performance, handling dismissals and restructuring teams. The calculation of severance pay and the formal requirements for terminations are areas where mistakes can be costly. Employees often seek help with dismissal disputes, unpaid entitlements and harassment claims. Remote work arrangements and cross-border employment have also created new legal questions.
How to Choose an Employment Lawyer
Employers should look for a firm with experience in their industry and with similar workforce sizes. Employees should seek a lawyer who has a track record in claims of the same type and who explains the costs and likely outcome clearly. In both cases, early advice is often the most valuable, as it can prevent disputes or resolve them before litigation.
Employment Law Trends in Greece
Digitalization of labor compliance is a major trend, with real-time reporting through ERGANI and the digital work card. Greater attention is being paid to workplace harassment, diversity and equal pay. Hybrid work and the right to disconnect are reshaping employment policies, while the growing technology sector in Athens has increased demand for advice on stock options, non-compete clauses and international employment structures.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a written employment contract required in Greece?
Employers must inform employees in writing about the essential terms of their employment, and the employment relationship must be registered on the ERGANI system before work begins.
How is severance pay calculated?
Severance for employees on indefinite contracts generally depends on length of service and salary level, and specific notice and formal requirements apply. An employment lawyer can calculate entitlements accurately for each situation.
What protections exist against workplace harassment?
Greek law prohibits violence and harassment at work, including sexual harassment, and requires larger employers to adopt policies and procedures for preventing and handling complaints.
Conclusion
Whether you are an employer managing a growing team or an employee protecting your rights, the right employment lawyer can make a significant difference. The Athens practices listed here combine deep knowledge of Greek labor law with practical experience, helping clients navigate the workplace with confidence.