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 Töövaidluskomisjon (Tööinspektsioon) (640 6000) — the body that enforces employment law in Estonia; they can inspect and order payment. A union, Tööinspektsioon — vihje (640 6000), takes the case for members and often for new members too. If the employer is insolvent, Töötukassa — pankrotihüvitis pays the last months from a guarantee fund. Keep contracts, payslips and hours worked.

Call firstTöövaidluskomisjon (Tööinspektsioon)

Report toTööinspektsioon — vihje

If that failsTöötukassa — pankrotihüvitis

🗣️ 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 Töövaidluskomisjon (Tööinspektsioon) 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 Töövaidluskomisjon (Tööinspektsioon)Complaints are confidential; the inspectorate can visit and fine. It costs nothing.
Get Tööinspektsioon — vihje on your sideUnions know the collective agreement that may set a higher wage than your contract, and they represent you in court.
Insolvent employer? Töötukassa — pankrotihüvitisThe wage guarantee fund pays a capped amount of unpaid wages when the company goes bust — apply quickly, deadlines are short.

📇 All contacts

Töövaidluskomisjon (Tööinspektsioon)Resolves labour disputes for free, binding decisionWithin 4 months of learning about the breach📞 640 6000 🔗 www.ti.ee/toovaidluskomisjon

Tööinspektsioon — vihjeEmployer inspections, fines, tips onlineAs soon as wages are overdue📞 640 6000 🔗 www.ti.ee/vihje

Töötukassa — pankrotihüvitisPays up to 3 months' wages in employer bankruptcyThrough the bankruptcy trustee🔗 www.tootukassa.ee/et/teenused/toovoime-ja-toetused/toetused-ja-huvitised/pankrotihuvitis

❓ 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 Tööinspektsioon — vihje 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?