Step 1. Assess whether your situation qualifies as a legal disputeThe Labour Disputes Commission examines disputes regarding the terms of employment contracts, their modification, execution, or termination. It also deals with non-compliance or improper implementation of labour law norms. According to Irina Janukevičienė, Head of the Labour Disputes Commissions’ Work Organization Division, the most common applications concern unpaid wages or other salary-related payments. However, the commission also examines issues of dismissal validity, denial of leave, unlawful contract changes, compensation for non-pecuniary damage, and many other employment relationship disagreements that become the subject of a labour dispute.
It is important to emphasize that the Labour Disputes Commission does not examine civil disputes (e.g., over car rental, service, or construction contract non-performance or improper performance, etc.), nor disputes over contract termination between a company director and the company, collective interest disputes, and similar cases.
Step 2. Check the application deadlinesIt is essential to adhere to the established deadlines. If you are applying regarding dismissal or a breach of a collective agreement, you must do so within one month from learning about the violation. For other violations, such as unpaid wages or holiday pay, the deadline is three months. If you miss the deadline, the commission may renew it if you provide a valid reason.
Step 3. Prepare a clear claimYour application must clearly state what you are seeking. This could be a request to recover a specific sum of unpaid money, compensation for damage, or payment of compensation. “It is important to specify exactly what you are seeking and support it with documents-your employment contract, bank statements, email correspondence. The commission relies on written information as well as statements from both parties or witnesses,” emphasizes I. Janukevičienė. An unclearly formulated claim can hinder the resolution of the dispute.
Step 4. Collect and attach evidenceYou must submit evidence supporting your claim together with your application. This could include your employment contract, payslips, bank account statements, emails, or other documents confirming your position. If you do not have an employment contract, you should also indicate this. The more supporting information you provide, the easier it will be for the commission to objectively examine the dispute.
Step 5. Complete and sign the applicationThe application form (Form No. 1) is available on the State Labour Inspectorate’s website. It must be properly completed and signed-either by hand or with a qualified electronic signature. If you sign by hand, you can scan or photograph the document. The application must be clear, understandable, and neat-this helps avoid additional requests from the commission.
Step 6. Submit your application using your chosen methodYou can submit your application to the Labour Disputes Commission in several ways: via the EPDS electronic service system, by email to [email protected], by registered mail, or by visiting the nearest State Labour Inspectorate office in person. It is important to ensure that your documents reach the commission-especially if the deadline is approaching.
Step 7. Wait for your case to be examined and participate in the hearingOnce your application is received, the Labour Disputes Commission will examine it within one month. If more time is needed, the deadline can be extended by another month. Both parties-the employer and the employee-are invited to the hearing. The commission first tries to reconcile the parties. “About a quarter of disputes are settled amicably even before the hearing,” notes I. Janukevičienė. “This shows that an amicable agreement remains a real and effective option.”
Step 8. If necessary-ensure the decision is enforcedThe commission’s decision is binding on both parties. If the employer or employee does not comply, either party has the right to contact a bailiff for enforcement. The decision does not require separate court approval-it has the power of an enforcement document.
The Labour Disputes Commission is not just a formal legal mechanism but real help for every employee. By knowing how to apply correctly, you can ensure that your rights are not only recognized but also protected.
State Labour Inspectorate consultation phone: (+370 5) 213 9772
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