Understanding the situation
Salary is typically due under the terms of the employment contract, and a pattern of late or missing payment can affect an employee in a number of ways, from day-to-day cash flow to the broader employment relationship.
Whether a delay is a one-off, linked to a wider dispute, or part of a pattern can matter when deciding how to respond. The options available, and how they are pursued, depend on the applicable law and procedure at the time, as well as on the specific facts of the employment relationship.
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Possible options
Which of these is realistic, and in what order, depends on how long the delay has continued, whether the employer disputes the amount, and the wider state of the employment relationship.
- Raising the matter directly with the employer, in writing, and requesting a clear timeline for payment.
- Involving the competent labour authority (MOHRE) as a point of contact, in general terms and depending on the circumstances.
- A formal written demand or legal notice setting out the amounts said to be outstanding.
- Where informal steps do not resolve matters, another available procedure may be considered.
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Practical steps
- 1Gather the employment contract, job offer, payslips and any salary certificate.
- 2Collect bank statements showing when salary was (or was not) received.
- 3Keep a dated record of every communication with the employer about the delay.
- 4Note any reasons the employer has given for the delay, in writing where possible.
- 5Consider a written request for payment before taking any further step.
- 6Seek advice on the appropriate next step given your specific facts and documents.
