Labour court claim: template, costs and how to file

A labour court claim is a formal way to pursue claims against an employer, e.g., unpaid wages, compensation or reinstatement. A well‑prepared claim increases the chance of a smooth procedure and reduces the risk of requests for corrections.

Update: 5 March 2026

In brief:

• The claim must meet formal requirements and clearly state your demand.
• Jurisdiction and fees depend on the type of case.
• The better the evidence, the higher the chance of a quick decision.

When to file a labour court claim

You file a claim when a dispute with the employer has not been resolved amicably and you want to pursue claims in court. Most often this concerns unpaid wages, disputes over termination, compensation or other employee benefits. The key is choosing the right type of claim and preparing documents that support it.

Where to file and which court has jurisdiction

Local jurisdiction depends on the circumstances. In practice it is often the place of work or the employer’s seat, but the details should be checked because they may differ depending on the claim.

Labour court and social insurance court

Some cases go to the labour court, while others go to the labour and social insurance court — the proper court name is usually indicated in instructions or official documents. This matters when selecting the correct form and filing address.

What a claim must include

The claim should clearly describe what you demand and why. In practice the essentials are:

• identification of the parties (claimant and defendant),
• a precise demand (e.g., the amount),
• justification and description of facts,
• signature and a list of attachments.

It is worth specifying the period covered by the claim and indicating whether you seek the principal amount, interest or another decision. The clearer the demand, the lower the risk of return or a request to supplement.

Formal elements and attachments

Most often you attach copies of the employment contract, payslips, correspondence or other documents confirming the claim. It is also worth preparing a copy of the claim with attachments for the other party.

If witness testimony matters, you can list witnesses already in the claim. It also helps to order documents chronologically and describe what each attachment proves — this makes it easier for the court to navigate the evidence.

Claim template and forms

Usually a labour court claim does not have an official form and a standard pleading that meets formal requirements is sufficient. Courts sometimes provide helpful templates, but they are not always mandatory. If in doubt, check the requirements of the competent court.

Claim layout — safe structure

A safe layout includes:

• designation of the court and division,
• parties’ data and their representatives (if any),
• the value of the subject matter (when required),
• the demand (specific amount or action),
• justification and description of facts,
• evidence requests,
• signature and list of attachments.

How to state the demand and calculate the amount

The demand should be unambiguous: what exactly you expect from the employer and in what amount. For monetary claims, list the amount, the period it relates to, and briefly explain how it was calculated. In complex cases, alternative or subsidiary demands may be acceptable.

If it is difficult to calculate the claim value, prepare a breakdown based on your documents and attach it. This improves readability and reduces time spent on clarifying doubts.

Costs and court fees

In employment cases some claims are exempt from fees, but this is not universal. The fee depends on the type of case and the claim value. Before filing, check whether a fee is required and how much it is.

Deadline to file the claim

Deadlines depend on the type of claim. For example, an appeal against termination is generally filed within 21 days. Claims arising from employment (e.g., wages) generally become time‑barred after 3 years. If you are unsure which deadline applies, it is better to verify it early than to risk missing it.

What happens after filing

After filing, the court verifies formal requirements. Then it serves the claim on the other party, sets dates and conducts evidence proceedings. In practice, complete documents and a coherent justification reduce the number of requests for supplementation.

Withdrawal of the claim — when and how

A claim can be withdrawn, but the effects depend on the stage of the case. In some situations the other party’s consent is required and withdrawal may affect costs. Before deciding, consider whether withdrawal could worsen your procedural position.

Most common mistakes in claims

• missing signature or party data,
• imprecise demand without a stated amount or period,
• missing attachments or a copy for the other party,
• chaotic justification without evidence references.

If the matter concerns unpaid wages, see the guide on unpaid wages and the guide on a claim for unpaid wages.

Note: this text is for information only and does not constitute legal advice.