Discrimination at work · Albania

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. Komisioneri për Mbrojtjen nga Diskriminimi (+355 4 243 1078) is the equality body for Albania: free, confidential, it investigates and mediates. Sindikata jote (KSSH, BSPSH) (kssh.org) represents you; Inspektorati Shtetëror i Punës dhe Shërbimeve Shoqërore (+355 4 222 7811) takes complaints and can inspect. Deadlines for a claim are short (often 2–6 months), so start now.

Call firstKomisioneri për Mbrojtjen nga Diskriminimi

Report toSindikata jote (KSSH, BSPSH)

If that failsInspektorati Shtetëror i Punës dhe Shërbimeve Shoqërore

🗣️ 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 Komisioneri për Mbrojtjen nga Diskriminimi."

🪜 Step by step

Write it downDates, what was said or done, who was there, how others were treated. Comparisons are the evidence.
Internal complaintHR or the works council, in writing. Many countries require this step; it also fixes the date.
Equality body: Komisioneri për Mbrojtjen nga DiskriminimiFree advice, investigation, mediation, sometimes representation. They know which claim fits.
Union: Sindikata jote (KSSH, BSPSH)Representation in negotiations and at the labour court.
DeadlineClaims for compensation or contesting a decision have deadlines of a few months. Ask Komisioneri për Mbrojtjen nga Diskriminimi for the exact one on day one.

📇 All contacts

Komisioneri për Mbrojtjen nga DiskriminimiDiscrimination complaints, decisionsDiscrimination at work, housing, services📞 +355 4 243 1078 🔗 www.kmd.al

Sindikata jote (KSSH, BSPSH)Legal aid and negotiation for membersFor members; you can join right away🔗 kssh.org

Inspektorati Shtetëror i Punës dhe Shërbimeve ShoqëroreEmployer inspections, fines, complaints onlineAs soon as wages are overdue📞 +355 4 222 7811 🔗 inspektoratipunes.gov.al/ankesa

Gjykata e Rrethit Gjyqësor — mosmarrëveshje puneUnfair termination within 180 days, wagesWithin 180 days of termination🔗 www.gjykata.gov.al

❓ 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 Komisioneri për Mbrojtjen nga Diskriminimi 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

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