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 Ditt fackförbund (LO, TCO, Saco) (lo.se) — the body that enforces employment law in Sweden; they can inspect and order payment. A union, Arbetsmiljöverket / Hallå konsument (av.se), takes the case for members and often for new members too. If the employer is insolvent, Länsstyrelsen — lönegaranti pays the last months from a guarantee fund. Keep contracts, payslips and hours worked.

Call firstDitt fackförbund (LO, TCO, Saco)

Report toArbetsmiljöverket / Hallå konsument

If that failsLänsstyrelsen — lönegaranti

🗣️ 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 Ditt fackförbund (LO, TCO, Saco) 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 Ditt fackförbund (LO, TCO, Saco)Complaints are confidential; the inspectorate can visit and fine. It costs nothing.
Get Arbetsmiljöverket / Hallå konsument on your sideUnions know the collective agreement that may set a higher wage than your contract, and they represent you in court.
Insolvent employer? Länsstyrelsen — lönegarantiThe wage guarantee fund pays a capped amount of unpaid wages when the company goes bust — apply quickly, deadlines are short.

📇 All contacts

Ditt fackförbund (LO, TCO, Saco)Negotiates and pursues wage claimsRight away — join if you are not a member🔗 www.lo.se

Arbetsmiljöverket / Hallå konsumentAdvice on labour law; reports about rogue employersWhen you are not a union member🔗 www.av.se

Länsstyrelsen — lönegarantiState wage guarantee in bankruptcy, up to four price base amountsThrough the bankruptcy administrator🔗 www.lansstyrelsen.se

❓ 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 Arbetsmiljöverket / Hallå konsument 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?