← FFCheckWho do I contact?LV
Work · Latvia
Updated September 2026

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

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. Tiesībsargs — diskriminācijas novēršana (67686768) is the equality body for Latvia: free, confidential, it investigates and mediates. Latvijas Brīvo arodbiedrību savienība (LBAS) (lbas.lv) represents you; Valsts darba inspekcija (VDI) (67186522) takes complaints and can inspect. Deadlines for a claim are short (often 2–6 months), so start now.

Call firstTiesībsargs — diskriminācijas novēršana
Report toLatvijas Brīvo arodbiedrību savienība (LBAS)
If that failsValsts darba inspekcija (VDI)

🗣️ 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 Tiesībsargs — diskriminācijas novēršana."

🪜 Step by step

  1. Write it downDates, what was said or done, who was there, how others were treated. Comparisons are the evidence.
  2. Internal complaintHR or the works council, in writing. Many countries require this step; it also fixes the date.
  3. Equality body: Tiesībsargs — diskriminācijas novēršanaFree advice, investigation, mediation, sometimes representation. They know which claim fits.
  4. Union: Latvijas Brīvo arodbiedrību savienība (LBAS)Representation in negotiations and at the labour court.
  5. DeadlineClaims for compensation or contesting a decision have deadlines of a few months. Ask Tiesībsargs — diskriminācijas novēršana for the exact one on day one.

📇 All contacts

Tiesībsargs — diskriminācijas novēršanaDiscrimination complaintsFor discrimination at work, housing, services📞 67686768🔗 www.tiesibsargs.lv
Latvijas Brīvo arodbiedrību savienība (LBAS)Legal aid and negotiation for membersFor members; you can join right away🔗 www.lbas.lv
Valsts darba inspekcija (VDI)Employer inspections, fines, reports onlineAs soon as wages are overdue📞 67186522🔗 www.vdi.gov.lv/lv/iesniegums
Rajona (pilsētas) tiesa — darba strīdsContesting dismissal within 1 month, wagesWithin 1 month of the dismissal🔗 www.tiesas.lv

❓ 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 Tiesībsargs — diskriminācijas novēršana 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

🔎 Common searches

Recognise your own search? The answer above covers all of these.

  • “discrimination at work who to contact Latvia”
  • “equality body Latvia complaint”
  • “pregnancy discrimination work”
  • “unequal pay complaint”
  • “age discrimination hiring”

🧭 Is this still correct?

We check this information carefully, but phone numbers, websites and rules change — and sometimes we get something wrong. Spotted a mistake or a change? Let us know below.

🔗 Related questions

🛑Harassment at work→⚖️Unfair dismissal→💼Unpaid wages→🧾Client won't pay→

Your tools for Latvia

Before it goes wrongCan I?What is allowed, what is not, which permit you need — with the official source.Energy · LatviaElectricity & gasThe rules that protect you as an electricity and gas customer in Latvia, and who to contact. Every fact is checked on an official source.Recognise it firstIs dit veilig?Check a phone number, website or message against 47,000 scam dossiers.