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 Valsts darba inspekcija (VDI) (67186522) — the body that enforces employment law in Latvia; they can inspect and order payment. A union, Latvijas Brīvo arodbiedrību savienība (LBAS) (lbas.lv), takes the case for members and often for new members too. If the employer is insolvent, Maksātnespējas kontroles dienests — darbinieku prasījumu garantiju fonds pays the last months from a guarantee fund. Keep contracts, payslips and hours worked.

Call firstValsts darba inspekcija (VDI)

Report toLatvijas Brīvo arodbiedrību savienība (LBAS)

If that failsMaksātnespējas kontroles dienests — darbinieku prasījumu garantiju fonds

🗣️ 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 Valsts darba inspekcija (VDI) 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 Valsts darba inspekcija (VDI)Complaints are confidential; the inspectorate can visit and fine. It costs nothing.
Get Latvijas Brīvo arodbiedrību savienība (LBAS) on your sideUnions know the collective agreement that may set a higher wage than your contract, and they represent you in court.
Insolvent employer? Maksātnespējas kontroles dienests — darbinieku prasījumu garantiju fondsThe wage guarantee fund pays a capped amount of unpaid wages when the company goes bust — apply quickly, deadlines are short.

📇 All contacts

Valsts darba inspekcija (VDI)Employer inspections, fines, reports onlineAs soon as wages are overdue📞 67186522 🔗 www.vdi.gov.lv/lv/iesniegums

Latvijas Brīvo arodbiedrību savienība (LBAS)Legal aid and negotiation for membersFor members; you can join right away🔗 www.lbas.lv

Maksātnespējas kontroles dienests — darbinieku prasījumu garantiju fondsCovers up to 3 months' wages in employer insolvencyThrough the insolvency administrator🔗 www.mkd.gov.lv/lv/darbinieku-prasijumu-garantiju-fonds

❓ 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 Latvijas Brīvo arodbiedrību savienība (LBAS) 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?