GREECE Law and Practice Contributed by: Nikolas Sigkridis, Semina Zavitsanou, Chrysa Kalantzi and Yannis Ragos, POTAMITISVEKRIS
Conciliation This is a voluntary process aimed at resolving an indi - vidual or collective labour dispute through facilitated dialogue. It is typically carried out as follows: • for individual disputes – before the Labour Inspec - torate (SEPE); and • for collective disputes – via the Ministry of Labour or OMED. 9.3 Costs In the vast majority of cases, Greek courts award the prevailing party a reasonable amount of legal costs, which is often significantly lower than the expenses actually incurred, including attorney’s fees. Courts fre - quently order that legal costs be set off between the parties when they find that the interpretation of the relevant legal provisions was particularly complex or unclear. The final amount awarded is ultimately at the discretion of the court.
ment disputes. Prior to initiating court proceedings, the legal representative (attorney) must inform their client in writing about the possibility of resolving the dispute or part of it through mediation. Collective Labour Disputes These involve employers and collective bodies (eg, trade unions) and concern broader employment terms such as wages, working time or collective agree - ments. Arbitration is formally recognised and regu - lated for collective disputes via the OMED. Arbitration may be initiated: • by mutual consent of both parties; or • unilaterally, in limited cases, if mediation fails and the dispute affects public interest. The arbitration decision is binding for the parties and has the same legal effect as a collective labour agree - ment.
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