Employment

Labor Disputes in Estonia

Free Labour Dispute Committee (Töövaidluskomisjon) process

What is Töövaidluskomisjon?

The Labour Dispute Committee (TVK) is a pre-court body that resolves individual employment disputes.[ITLS §2]

FREE
No fees
45 days
Typical resolution
Binding
Enforceable decisions

What Disputes Can Be Filed?

Covered by TVK

  • • Unfair dismissal claims
  • • Unpaid wages, bonuses, commissions
  • • Unpaid vacation pay
  • • Sick leave compensation disputes
  • • Severance pay disputes
  • • Working time and overtime violations
  • • Discrimination claims
  • • Breach of employment contract terms
[ITLS §4]

Not Covered by TVK

  • • Collective bargaining disputes
  • • Strike legality issues
  • • Social insurance disputes (file in court)
  • • Civil service disputes (different procedure)

Important Deadlines

Dismissal Challenge
From receiving termination notice
30 days
Wage Claims
From when payment was due
3 years
Other Employment Claims
General limitation period
4 months

The TVK Process

1

Submit Application

File online at tvk.ti.ee or in person at any Labour Inspectorate office.

2

Case Accepted

Committee reviews within 10 days. Employer has 10 days to respond.[ITLS §8]

3

Hearing Scheduled

Both parties invited. Can attend in person, via video, or submit written statement.

4

Decision Issued

Written decision usually within 45 days. Immediately enforceable.[ITLS §14]

5

Appeal (Optional)

Either party can appeal to county court within 30 days.[ITLS §17]

What to Prepare

Required Documents

  • Employment contract (copy)
  • Pay slips / bank statements
  • Termination notice (if applicable)
  • Correspondence with employer
  • Any evidence supporting your claim

Application Must Include

  • • Your full name and personal code
  • • Employer's name and registry code
  • • Description of the dispute
  • • Your specific claim (what you want)
  • • Amount claimed (if monetary)
  • • List of evidence
  • • Your signature

Possible Outcomes

For Dismissal Disputes

  • • Declare dismissal void - reinstatement
  • • Award compensation (up to 3 months salary)
  • • Change dismissal date or reason
  • • Order payment of wages for forced absence
[ITLS §16]

For Wage Disputes

  • • Order payment of unpaid wages
  • • Award late payment interest
  • • Order compensation for damages

How to File

Online Portal

tvk.ti.ee →

Submit your application through the digital portal with ID-card or Mobile-ID

Labour Inspectorate Hotline

+372 640 6000

Free consultation available Mon-Fri 9:00-17:00

In Person

Visit any Labour Inspectorate regional office in Tallinn, Tartu, or other cities

Related Guides

Dismissal & Severance
Understanding termination rights and compensation
Employee Rights
Your rights under Estonian employment law
Official Sources

Sources