My employer doesn't pay my wages — who do I contact?

Direct answer

Unpaid wages are the one dispute where waiting costs you: claims expire. Write to the employer with the amount and a short deadline, then contact Ispettorato Nazionale del Lavoro (INL) (ispettorato.gov.it) — the body that enforces employment law in Italy; they can inspect and order payment. A union, Sindacato (CGIL, CISL, UIL) (cgil.it), takes the case for members and often for new members too. If the employer is insolvent, INPS — Fondo di garanzia pays the last months from a guarantee fund. Keep contracts, payslips and hours worked.

Call firstIspettorato Nazionale del Lavoro (INL)

Report toSindacato (CGIL, CISL, UIL)

If that failsINPS — Fondo di garanzia

🗣️ What to say

"My wages for [month] of €… gross were due on [date] and have not been paid. I request payment within 7 days. If not, I will file with Ispettorato Nazionale del Lavoro (INL) and claim interest and costs."

🪜 Step by step

Put it in writingAmount, period, due date, 7-day deadline. Keep every message about pay.
Gather proofContract, payslips, bank statements, your own record of hours and days worked, work chat messages.
Report to Ispettorato Nazionale del Lavoro (INL)Complaints are confidential; the inspectorate can visit and fine. It costs nothing.
Get Sindacato (CGIL, CISL, UIL) on your sideUnions know the collective agreement that may set a higher wage than your contract, and they represent you in court.
Insolvent employer? INPS — Fondo di garanziaThe wage guarantee fund pays a capped amount of unpaid wages when the company goes bust — apply quickly, deadlines are short.

📇 All contacts

Ispettorato Nazionale del Lavoro (INL)Request for intervention, inspections, enforcement noticeAs soon as the wages are late🔗 www.ispettorato.gov.it

Sindacato (CGIL, CISL, UIL)Advice and legal support at the labour courtFor members; you can join right away🔗 www.cgil.it

INPS — Fondo di garanziaPays severance and the last three months in bankruptcyAfter the insolvency procedure opens🔗 www.inps.it

❓ Frequently asked

Can I stop working until I am paid?

In most countries yes, after a written warning, if the arrears are substantial — check with Sindacato (CGIL, CISL, UIL) first so it cannot be treated as abandonment.

I worked without a contract

You are still an employee. Messages, hours, colleagues and payments prove the relationship, and the inspectorate can enforce the minimum wage.

How long do I have?

Limitation periods are short — often one to three years, and collective agreements may cut it to months. Act now.

📎 Sources

Last checked: 2026-09-26

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💼 My employer doesn't pay my wages — who do I contact?