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 Toezicht op de Sociale Wetten (FOD WASO) (02 233 41 11) — the body that enforces employment law in Belgium; they can inspect and order payment. A union, Vakbond (ACV, ABVV, ACLVB) (hetacv.be), takes the case for members and often for new members too. If the employer is insolvent, Fonds Sluiting Ondernemingen (RVA) pays the last months from a guarantee fund. Keep contracts, payslips and hours worked.

Call firstToezicht op de Sociale Wetten (FOD WASO)

Report toVakbond (ACV, ABVV, ACLVB)

If that failsFonds Sluiting Ondernemingen (RVA)

🗣️ 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 Toezicht op de Sociale Wetten (FOD WASO) 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 Toezicht op de Sociale Wetten (FOD WASO)Complaints are confidential; the inspectorate can visit and fine. It costs nothing.
Get Vakbond (ACV, ABVV, ACLVB) on your sideUnions know the collective agreement that may set a higher wage than your contract, and they represent you in court.
Insolvent employer? Fonds Sluiting Ondernemingen (RVA)The wage guarantee fund pays a capped amount of unpaid wages when the company goes bust — apply quickly, deadlines are short.

📇 All contacts

Toezicht op de Sociale Wetten (FOD WASO)Labour inspectorate: inspection, formal notice to the employerAs soon as the wages are late📞 02 233 41 11 🔗 werk.belgie.be/nl/over-de-fod/structuur-van-de-fod/algemene-directie-toezicht-op-de-sociale-wetten

Vakbond (ACV, ABVV, ACLVB)Advice and representation at the labour tribunalFor members; you can join right away🔗 www.hetacv.be

Fonds Sluiting Ondernemingen (RVA)Pays unpaid wages in bankruptcyThrough the trustee, within a year🔗 www.rva.be/burgers/fonds-sluiting-ondernemingen

❓ 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 Vakbond (ACV, ABVV, ACLVB) 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?