If the employer unilaterally amends the worker’s essential terms of employment and these are less favourable, such as a substantial change in the place of employment, working hours or salary without the worker’s consent, then the worker has the right to complain to the Labour Inspectorate through the labour dispute resolution procedure. The worker can also seek recourse to the courts, invoke forced resignation and claim damages.

Additionally, salary cuts/reductions that are not made with the written consent of the employee (unless the reductions are the result of a collective bargaining agreement or other agreement with workers’ representatives) may be claimed, following notice of termination, by criminal prosecution initiated by the Department of Labour Relations in accordance with the provisions on failure to pay wages for work already carried out.