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 ACT — Autoridade para as Condições do Trabalho (300 069 300) — the body that enforces employment law in Portugal; they can inspect and order payment. A union, Sindicato (CGTP, UGT) (cgtp.pt), takes the case for members and often for new members too. If the employer is insolvent, Fundo de Garantia Salarial — Segurança Social pays the last months from a guarantee fund. Keep contracts, payslips and hours worked.

Call firstACT — Autoridade para as Condições do Trabalho

Report toSindicato (CGTP, UGT)

If that failsFundo de Garantia Salarial — Segurança Social

🗣️ 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 ACT — Autoridade para as Condições do Trabalho 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 ACT — Autoridade para as Condições do TrabalhoComplaints are confidential; the inspectorate can visit and fine. It costs nothing.
Get Sindicato (CGTP, UGT) on your sideUnions know the collective agreement that may set a higher wage than your contract, and they represent you in court.
Insolvent employer? Fundo de Garantia Salarial — Segurança SocialThe wage guarantee fund pays a capped amount of unpaid wages when the company goes bust — apply quickly, deadlines are short.

📇 All contacts

ACT — Autoridade para as Condições do TrabalhoComplaint, inspection, formal notice to the employerAs soon as the wages are late📞 300 069 300 🔗 www.act.gov.pt

Sindicato (CGTP, UGT)Advice and representation at the labour courtFor members; you can join right away🔗 www.cgtp.pt

Fundo de Garantia Salarial — Segurança SocialPays unpaid wages in insolvencyUp to one year after the contract ends🔗 www.seg-social.pt/fundo-de-garantia-salarial

❓ 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 Sindicato (CGTP, UGT) 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?