Labour court claim: common types of claims

The labour court hears a wide range of disputes between an employee and an employer. In practice the most common are claims for compensation, reinstatement, declaring a termination ineffective, as well as mobbing, discrimination or payment of benefits. Below is a short overview of the most common categories.

Update: 5 March 2026

In brief:

• The scope of claims depends on the legal basis and the circumstances of termination.
• In one claim you can often combine several demands if they are consistent.
• Evidence and a complete set of documents are crucial to success.

What claims does the labour court consider

The labour court considers disputes related to employment, including claims for payment of benefits, reinstatement and compensation. The scope of claims depends, among other things, on the type of contract and how it was terminated. Disputes about ZUS decisions are heard by the labour and social insurance court, but in that case you file an appeal, not a claim.

Claim for compensation

Compensation most often appears in disputes over termination or violations of employee rights. The key is indicating the legal basis and precisely explaining the harm.

Termination without notice and Article 55

In specific situations an employee can terminate the contract without notice due to the employer’s fault (Article 55 of the Labour Code) and seek compensation. Such claims require a precise description of circumstances and strong evidence.

Claim for reinstatement

This claim appears when the employee challenges the justification for termination. In practice the court checks whether the employer’s decision was lawful and whether formal requirements were met.

Claim to declare a termination ineffective

This is typical in termination cases. Its purpose is to confirm that the termination is ineffective. If the contract has already ended, in practice you pursue reinstatement or compensation. These cases have a short deadline for filing with the labour court (generally 21 days).

Claims for mobbing and discrimination

Mobbing and discrimination cases are evidence‑heavy. The key is documents, witnesses and consistent documentation of events. In practice it is worth describing the circumstances and timeline in detail.

Claims for severance and vacation equivalent

If the employer has not paid severance or a vacation equivalent, a payment claim may go to the labour court. It is important to show that the benefit was due and in what amount.

Appeals against ZUS decisions — when to the labour and social insurance court

Disputes with ZUS about benefits or insurance decisions are heard by the labour and social insurance court. In such cases you file an appeal against the ZUS decision (not a claim), usually through ZUS and within one month of delivery. Attach the ZUS decision and documents confirming the facts.

If you need a step‑by‑step procedure, see the guide on labour court claims.

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