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 Inspection du travail (DREETS) (travail-emploi.gouv.fr) — the body that enforces employment law in France; they can inspect and order payment. A union, Syndicat (CGT, CFDT, FO…) (service-public.fr), takes the case for members and often for new members too. If the employer is insolvent, AGS — Association pour la gestion du régime de garantie des salaires pays the last months from a guarantee fund. Keep contracts, payslips and hours worked.

The labour tribunal can be used without a lawyer; wage claims must be filed within three years.

Call firstInspection du travail (DREETS)

Report toSyndicat (CGT, CFDT, FO…)

If that failsAGS — Association pour la gestion du régime de garantie des salaires

🗣️ 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 Inspection du travail (DREETS) 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 Inspection du travail (DREETS)Complaints are confidential; the inspectorate can visit and fine. It costs nothing.
Get Syndicat (CGT, CFDT, FO…) on your sideUnions know the collective agreement that may set a higher wage than your contract, and they represent you in court.
Insolvent employer? AGS — Association pour la gestion du régime de garantie des salairesThe wage guarantee fund pays a capped amount of unpaid wages when the company goes bust — apply quickly, deadlines are short.

📇 All contacts

Inspection du travail (DREETS)Inspection, formal notice to the employerAs soon as the wages are late🔗 travail-emploi.gouv.fr/inspection-du-travail

Syndicat (CGT, CFDT, FO…)Advice, support at the labour tribunalFor members; you can join right away🔗 www.service-public.fr/particuliers/vosdroits/F2436

AGS — Association pour la gestion du régime de garantie des salairesPays unpaid wages in insolvency proceedingsThrough the court-appointed administrator🔗 www.ags-garantie-salaires.org

❓ 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 Syndicat (CGT, CFDT, FO…) 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?