Labor law in Greece

An employment relationship in Greece exists when a person performs work under another party’s direction in return for pay. The real working arrangement matters, not only the label written on the agreement. Employment may be indefinite or fixed-term, full-time or part-time. Written information about essential conditions helps both sides understand the role, pay, schedule, workplace, and duration. Employers must meet duties concerning declared employment, wages, social insurance, working time, leave, equal treatment, and occupational health and safety. Workers must perform agreed duties and follow lawful workplace instructions. Collective labor agreements can supplement general legislation for particular sectors, occupations, or workplaces. Their relevance depends on the employer, job, and scope of the agreement. Greek labor law provides protection against prohibited discrimination and workplace harassment. Pregnancy, family responsibilities, disability, age, sex, religion, and other protected characteristics can be legally relevant. Termination is regulated and may require specific grounds, form, notice, compensation, or procedural steps depending on the relationship. A resignation and a dismissal have different legal and practical consequences. The Labour Inspectorate, known in Greek as Επιθεώρηση Εργασίας, has an important role in supervision and some workplace disputes. Social insurance and declared employment records may involve separate public systems. A worker can challenge unpaid wages, unlawful treatment, unsafe conditions, or a disputed dismissal. Useful routes may include an internal written complaint, inspection procedures, negotiation, or court action. Employment disputes are strongly dependent on facts and documents. Contracts, payslips, schedules, messages, attendance records, and official declarations can show what actually happened.