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 Επιθεώρηση Εργασίας (ΣΕΠΕ) — 1555 (1555) — the body that enforces employment law in Greece; they can inspect and order payment. A union, ΓΣΕΕ — ΚΕΠΕΑ / σωματείο (210 8202100), takes the case for members and often for new members too. If the employer is insolvent, ΔΥΠΑ — Λογαριασμός Προστασίας Εργαζομένων pays the last months from a guarantee fund. Keep contracts, payslips and hours worked.

Withholding labour is lawful after a significant delay and a written declaration; wage claims are time-barred after five years.

Call firstΕπιθεώρηση Εργασίας (ΣΕΠΕ) — 1555

Report toΓΣΕΕ — ΚΕΠΕΑ / σωματείο

If that failsΔΥΠΑ — Λογαριασμός Προστασίας Εργαζομένων

🗣️ 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 Επιθεώρηση Εργασίας (ΣΕΠΕ) — 1555 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 Επιθεώρηση Εργασίας (ΣΕΠΕ) — 1555Complaints are confidential; the inspectorate can visit and fine. It costs nothing.
Get ΓΣΕΕ — ΚΕΠΕΑ / σωματείο on your sideUnions know the collective agreement that may set a higher wage than your contract, and they represent you in court.
Insolvent employer? ΔΥΠΑ — Λογαριασμός Προστασίας ΕργαζομένωνThe wage guarantee fund pays a capped amount of unpaid wages when the company goes bust — apply quickly, deadlines are short.

📇 All contacts

Επιθεώρηση Εργασίας (ΣΕΠΕ) — 1555Complaint, inspection, labour dispute procedureAs soon as the wages are late📞 1555 🔗 www.sepe.gov.gr

ΓΣΕΕ — ΚΕΠΕΑ / σωματείοFree workers' information, representationFor every worker📞 210 8202100 🔗 www.kepea.gr

ΔΥΠΑ — Λογαριασμός Προστασίας ΕργαζομένωνPays up to 3 months of wages when the employer is insolventAfter the bankruptcy declaration🔗 www.dypa.gov.gr

❓ 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 ΓΣΕΕ — ΚΕΠΕΑ / σωματείο 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?