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 Inspektorati Shtetëror i Punës dhe Shërbimeve Shoqërore (+355 4 222 7811) — the body that enforces employment law in Albania; they can inspect and order payment. A union, Sindikata jote (KSSH, BSPSH) (kssh.org), takes the case for members and often for new members too. If the employer is insolvent, Gjykata e Rrethit Gjyqësor — mosmarrëveshje pune pays the last months from a guarantee fund. Keep contracts, payslips and hours worked.

Call firstInspektorati Shtetëror i Punës dhe Shërbimeve Shoqërore

Report toSindikata jote (KSSH, BSPSH)

If that failsGjykata e Rrethit Gjyqësor — mosmarrëveshje pune

🗣️ 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 Inspektorati Shtetëror i Punës dhe Shërbimeve Shoqërore 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 Inspektorati Shtetëror i Punës dhe Shërbimeve ShoqëroreComplaints are confidential; the inspectorate can visit and fine. It costs nothing.
Get Sindikata jote (KSSH, BSPSH) on your sideUnions know the collective agreement that may set a higher wage than your contract, and they represent you in court.
Insolvent employer? Gjykata e Rrethit Gjyqësor — mosmarrëveshje puneThe wage guarantee fund pays a capped amount of unpaid wages when the company goes bust — apply quickly, deadlines are short.

📇 All contacts

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

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

Gjykata e Rrethit Gjyqësor — mosmarrëveshje puneWage claims are handled with priority; in bankruptcy through the administratorIf the employer does not pay after inspection🔗 www.gjykata.gov.al

❓ 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 Sindikata jote (KSSH, BSPSH) 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?