Why this ground matters
Pay-related complaints were the single biggest category in 2025 — 26% of everything the WRC received, more than any other ground, according to the WRC's own 2025 Annual Report — the Commission received 10,559 complaint applications in total in 2025, up 44% on 2024.
Submitting to the WRC
Deadline
6 months from the date of the contravention (extendable to 12 months for reasonable cause) — Section 41(6)/(8), Workplace Relations Act 2015
Fee
None — the WRC does not charge to bring or hear a complaint
Governing law
The Payment of Wages Act 1991
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Your letter cites Payment of Wages Act 1991 and Section 41 of the Workplace Relations Act 2015. Free preview — €9.99 to download the clean, submission-ready PDF that accompanies your WRC complaint form.
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Common questions
Does this cover unpaid holiday pay too?
Yes — accrued but unpaid annual leave on termination is treated as wages properly payable and falls under the same Payment of Wages Act 1991 complaint.
How long do I have to bring this complaint?
Six months from the date of the contravention under Section 41(6) of the Workplace Relations Act 2015. If you're close to that deadline, an extension to 12 months can be sought under Section 41(8) where reasonable cause for the delay can be shown.
Is there a fee to complain to the WRC?
No — filing a complaint with the Workplace Relations Commission is free. WRCLetter.ie charges €9.99 to generate your accompanying letter; the WRC itself charges nothing to bring or hear your complaint.
What happens after I submit my complaint?
The WRC may offer mediation if both parties agree, or the case proceeds to an adjudication hearing before an Adjudication Officer. In 2025 the WRC issued decisions within a median of 39 working days.
Other grounds for complaint
Have more than one issue with the same employer? You can cite multiple grounds in a single letter — start with whichever applies to you.
Guides & resources