An employer on the island of Crete allegedly threatened a pregnant female office clerk with dismissal unless she got an abortion, the Technical Employees Association said this week.

According to Ta Nea daily newspaper (link in Greek), the woman had been hired on a wage of €615 gross, but has not received payment since June. Her employer allegedly warned her that she will only get paid, if she gets an abortion and submits her resignation.

Greek labour law states that a female worker cannot be dismissed for 18 months after childbirth. If she is dismissed within that time period, the employer is obliged to pay her 18 months worth of salaries and a fine.

The woman’s complaint was filed by the association to the Greek Labour Inspectorate.

Ta Nea said that the women is currently in great distress and fears it will impact her pregnancy.