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 Aluehallintovirasto — työsuojelu (0295 016 620) — the body that enforces employment law in Finland; they can inspect and order payment. A union, Ammattiliittosi (SAK, STTK, Akava) (sak.fi), takes the case for members and often for new members too. If the employer is insolvent, ELY-keskus — palkkaturva pays the last months from a guarantee fund. Keep contracts, payslips and hours worked.

Call firstAluehallintovirasto — työsuojelu

Report toAmmattiliittosi (SAK, STTK, Akava)

If that failsELY-keskus — palkkaturva

🗣️ 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 Aluehallintovirasto — työsuojelu 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 Aluehallintovirasto — työsuojeluComplaints are confidential; the inspectorate can visit and fine. It costs nothing.
Get Ammattiliittosi (SAK, STTK, Akava) on your sideUnions know the collective agreement that may set a higher wage than your contract, and they represent you in court.
Insolvent employer? ELY-keskus — palkkaturvaThe wage guarantee fund pays a capped amount of unpaid wages when the company goes bust — apply quickly, deadlines are short.

📇 All contacts

Aluehallintovirasto — työsuojeluLabour inspectorate: advice, inspections, ordersAs soon as the wages are late📞 0295 016 620 🔗 www.tyosuojelu.fi

Ammattiliittosi (SAK, STTK, Akava)Advice and legal aid for membersFor members; you can join right away🔗 www.sak.fi

ELY-keskus — palkkaturvaPays claims in employer insolvency, up to €19,000Within three months of the due date🔗 www.ely-keskus.fi/palkkaturva

❓ 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 Ammattiliittosi (SAK, STTK, Akava) 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?