I've been working for the same employer now for 5 years and he owes me circa 500k in salary back pay. It's always the same excuse, he will start settling the amount as soon as bigger contracts come in. Needless to say I'm at my wits end. The non payment of salaries has had a huge impact on my ability to pay my own debt which has resulted in me getting a bad credit record and the knock on effect of this is that I am now struggling to find other employment. What recourse if any can I take?
Underpayment or non-payment can be referred to the Department of Labour, who will send a labour inspector. The labour inspector will then attempt to persuade your employer to pay your salaries in terms of your contract. Failing this, the inspector can issue a compliance order, which can be made an order of the Labour Court if the employer still fails to pay you.