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Work · Estonia
Updated September 2026

🚻 I am being discriminated against at work — who do I turn to?

Direct answer

Discrimination because of sex, age, origin, religion, disability, sexual orientation or pregnancy is illegal at every stage — hiring, pay, promotion, dismissal — and the burden of proof shifts: once you show facts that suggest it, the employer must prove otherwise. Soolise võrdõiguslikkuse ja võrdse kohtlemise volinik (626 9059) is the equality body for Estonia: free, confidential, it investigates and mediates. Ametiühingud (EAKL) (eakl.ee) represents you; Tööinspektsioon — vihje ja nõustamine (640 6000) takes complaints and can inspect. Deadlines for a claim are short (often 2–6 months), so start now.

Call firstSoolise võrdõiguslikkuse ja võrdse kohtlemise volinik
Report toAmetiühingud (EAKL)
If that failsTööinspektsioon — vihje ja nõustamine

🗣️ What to say

"Since [date] I have been treated less favourably than colleagues in [pay / shifts / promotion / …] and I believe the reason is my [ground]. Examples: [dates, facts, witnesses]. I ask for this to be investigated and stopped. I am also contacting Soolise võrdõiguslikkuse ja võrdse kohtlemise volinik."

🪜 Step by step

  1. Write it downDates, what was said or done, who was there, how others were treated. Comparisons are the evidence.
  2. Internal complaintHR or the works council, in writing. Many countries require this step; it also fixes the date.
  3. Equality body: Soolise võrdõiguslikkuse ja võrdse kohtlemise volinikFree advice, investigation, mediation, sometimes representation. They know which claim fits.
  4. Union: Ametiühingud (EAKL)Representation in negotiations and at the labour court.
  5. DeadlineClaims for compensation or contesting a decision have deadlines of a few months. Ask Soolise võrdõiguslikkuse ja võrdse kohtlemise volinik for the exact one on day one.

📇 All contacts

Soolise võrdõiguslikkuse ja võrdse kohtlemise volinikAdvice and opinions on discriminationFor discrimination at work, housing, services📞 626 9059🔗 volinik.ee
Ametiühingud (EAKL)Legal help and representation for membersDismissal, pay, pressure at work🔗 www.eakl.ee
Tööinspektsioon — vihje ja nõustamineEmployer supervision, free legal adviceLabour-law breaches📞 640 6000🔗 www.ti.ee
TöövaidluskomisjonResolves labour disputes for freeDismissal dispute within 30 days📞 640 6000🔗 www.ti.ee/toovaidlused

❓ Frequently asked

Can they punish me for complaining?

Retaliation is itself illegal and separately compensable. Keep the paper trail — it is what makes retaliation provable.

I am pregnant and they cut my hours

Pregnancy discrimination is sex discrimination and pregnant workers have special protection against dismissal. Contact Soolise võrdõiguslikkuse ja võrdse kohtlemise volinik the same week.

They say I was not hired because of "fit"

Ask in writing for the reason and the successful candidate's qualifications; a refusal to answer counts against them.

📎 Sources

Last checked: 2026-09-26

🔎 Common searches

Recognise your own search? The answer above covers all of these.

  • “discrimination at work who to contact Estonia”
  • “equality body Estonia complaint”
  • “pregnancy discrimination work”
  • “unequal pay complaint”
  • “age discrimination hiring”

🧭 Is this still correct?

We check this information carefully, but phone numbers, websites and rules change — and sometimes we get something wrong. Spotted a mistake or a change? Let us know below.

🔗 Related questions

🛑Harassment at work→⚖️Unfair dismissal→💼Unpaid wages→🧾Client won't pay→

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