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 Inspecția Muncii — ITM județean (021 302 7030) — the body that enforces employment law in Romania; they can inspect and order payment. A union, Sindicatul tău (BNS, Cartel ALFA, CNSLR Frăția) (bns.ro), takes the case for members and often for new members too. If the employer is insolvent, Fondul de garantare pentru plata creanțelor salariale (AJOFM) pays the last months from a guarantee fund. Keep contracts, payslips and hours worked.

Labour disputes are exempt from court fees in Romania, and wage claims prescribe three years after the due date.

Call firstInspecția Muncii — ITM județean

Report toSindicatul tău (BNS, Cartel ALFA, CNSLR Frăția)

If that failsFondul de garantare pentru plata creanțelor salariale (AJOFM)

🗣️ 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 Inspecția Muncii — ITM județean 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 Inspecția Muncii — ITM județeanComplaints are confidential; the inspectorate can visit and fine. It costs nothing.
Get Sindicatul tău (BNS, Cartel ALFA, CNSLR Frăția) on your sideUnions know the collective agreement that may set a higher wage than your contract, and they represent you in court.
Insolvent employer? Fondul de garantare pentru plata creanțelor salariale (AJOFM)The wage guarantee fund pays a capped amount of unpaid wages when the company goes bust — apply quickly, deadlines are short.

📇 All contacts

Inspecția Muncii — ITM județeanEmployer inspections, fines, reports onlineAs soon as wages are overdue📞 021 302 7030 🔗 www.inspectiamuncii.ro/sesizari

Sindicatul tău (BNS, Cartel ALFA, CNSLR Frăția)Legal aid and negotiation for membersFor members; you can join right away🔗 www.bns.ro

Fondul de garantare pentru plata creanțelor salariale (AJOFM)Pays overdue wages in insolvency, up to 3 average wagesThrough the liquidator, during insolvency🔗 www.anofm.ro/fondul-de-garantare

❓ 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 Sindicatul tău (BNS, Cartel ALFA, CNSLR Frăția) 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?