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 Darbo ginčų komisija (prie VDI) (8 5 213 9772) — the body that enforces employment law in Lithuania; they can inspect and order payment. A union, Valstybinė darbo inspekcija (VDI) (8 5 213 9772), takes the case for members and often for new members too. If the employer is insolvent, Garantinis fondas (Sodra) pays the last months from a guarantee fund. Keep contracts, payslips and hours worked.

In Lithuania the labour disputes commission is the mandatory pre-court stage: free, a decision within a month, binding on the employer.

Call firstDarbo ginčų komisija (prie VDI)

Report toValstybinė darbo inspekcija (VDI)

If that failsGarantinis fondas (Sodra)

🗣️ 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 Darbo ginčų komisija (prie VDI) 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 Darbo ginčų komisija (prie VDI)Complaints are confidential; the inspectorate can visit and fine. It costs nothing.
Get Valstybinė darbo inspekcija (VDI) on your sideUnions know the collective agreement that may set a higher wage than your contract, and they represent you in court.
Insolvent employer? Garantinis fondas (Sodra)The wage guarantee fund pays a capped amount of unpaid wages when the company goes bust — apply quickly, deadlines are short.

📇 All contacts

Darbo ginčų komisija (prie VDI)Resolves labour disputes for free, binding decisionWithin 3 months of learning about the breach📞 8 5 213 9772 🔗 www.vdi.lt/Forms/DGK.aspx

Valstybinė darbo inspekcija (VDI)Employer inspections, fines, reports onlineAs soon as wages are overdue📞 8 5 213 9772 🔗 www.vdi.lt

Garantinis fondas (Sodra)Payments to employees in employer bankruptcyThrough the bankruptcy administrator🔗 www.sodra.lt/lt/situacijos/garantinis-fondas

❓ 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 Valstybinė darbo inspekcija (VDI) 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?