Employment law is a broad term that encompasses a lot. Just like all other areas of law, there are different categories within each law. These laws represent different situations that can present themselves throughout your career or with your employer. These are common areas you will find in Tenessee employment law and what they entail.

Minimum Wage

The minimum wage in each state differs due to the state’s cost of living. There are five states out of 5o that do not have a specific state minimum wage. As a result, they adopt the federal minimum wage, which is $7.25. Those five states include Tenessee, Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, and South Carolina. Also, Tenessee does not have an overtime law, so federal rules apply here as well. It is unsure at this time if Tenessee will adopt our own minimum wage. The federal wage has yet to increase as well. The last time the minimum wage was raised was on July 24, 2009. It has been over a decade since we’ve seen an increase. If you are working and not receiving minimum wage, contact a lawyer immediately.

Employment Discrimination

Employment discrimination is when an employer displays discriminatory practices concerning race, sex, sexual orientation, religion, national origin, physical disability, and or age. If your employer is biased in hiring, promoting, assignments, termination, compensation, or retaliation, it is considered discrimination. In the state of Tenessee, it is illegal for an employer to also discriminate based on physical, mental, or visual disability. This falls under the Tenessee Disability Act. If you are a victim of discrimination, you can file a claim with the state.

Unemployment Compensation

Every employer should have unemployment insurance. The purpose of this insurance is to provide works monetary payments for a given period of time if they lose their job at no fault of their own. The payment period can also extend until the person finds a new job. Different requirements are asked of each person who is receiving or applying for unemployment in each state. For example, claimants who are out of work and do not have a job to return to must complete weekly job searches. Self-employed claimants should continue taking proactive steps to reopen their business. Anyone who was furloughed but expected to return to work does not have to complete weekly job searches. Union works that are employed through their union hall also do not have to complete weekly job searches.

These are just a few of the branches that fall within employment law in Tenessee. If you find yourself out of a job or need assistance because of your job, an attorney can help! At Slaughter Law, we have provided clients legal assistance for over 21 years. We cover different areas of law, including employment, criminal, and more. Please find more information online here or call us at (423) 844-0560 today!