Georgia Employment Law Guide
Georgia follows federal employment law standards with limited additional state-level worker protections.
Quick Georgia Facts
Sexual Harassment Laws in Georgia
Understanding your rights and protections against workplace sexual harassment.
Georgia Fair Employment Practices Act - O.C.G.A. § 45-19-20 et seq.
Filing Deadline: 180 days for state employees; federal deadlines apply for private sector | Employer Size: State/local government; private sector follows federal law
Your Protections
- Covers state and local government employees
- Limited private sector coverage compared to federal law
- Protects against sexual harassment in public employment
- Generally defers to federal law for private employers
- Some additional protections for government workers
Available Remedies
- Back pay and front pay
- Compensatory damages (limited)
- Injunctive relief
- Reinstatement
- Limited punitive damages
- Attorneys fees (in some cases)
Key Features of Georgia Law
Limited state law coverage - primarily government employees
Right to work state with limited union protections
Generally relies on federal EEOC protections
Shorter filing deadlines than federal law in some cases
Limited damages compared to other states
Strong employer defenses available
Need Help with Sexual Harassment?
Sexual harassment cases require immediate action. Don't wait - the clock is ticking on your legal rights.
Georgia Labor Codes & Legal Resources
Direct access to Georgia employment laws and regulations.
Official Georgia Labor Code
Access the complete, up-to-date Georgia labor code directly from the official state website.
View Official Georgia Labor Code →Wage & Hour Laws
Minimum wage, overtime, meal breaks, and pay requirements.
Code Section: O.C.G.A. § 34-4-1 et seq. - Payment of Wages
Learn More →Discrimination Laws
Protection against workplace discrimination and harassment.
Code Section: O.C.G.A. § 45-19-20 et seq. - Fair Employment Practices
Learn More →Sexual Harassment
Laws protecting against sexual harassment in the workplace.
Code Section: O.C.G.A. § 45-19-29
Learn More →Retaliation Protection
Protection for employees who report violations or exercise rights.
Code Section: O.C.G.A. § 45-1-4 - Whistleblower Protection for Public Employees
Learn More →Wrongful Termination
Laws governing when and how employees can be terminated.
Code Section: O.C.G.A. § 45-19-29
Learn More →Download Resources
Checklists and guides to help build your employment case.
Key Employment Laws in Georgia
Important legislation that protects workers in Georgia.
Protection Laws
- Georgia Fair Employment Practices Act
- Georgia Workers' Compensation Act
- Georgia Right to Work Law
- Georgia Equal Pay Act
Important Limitations
- Right to work state
- At-will employment
- Limited state anti-discrimination protections
Employment Lawyers in Major Georgia Cities
Find local employment attorneys in these major Georgia metropolitan areas.
Atlanta
Population: 498,715
Atlanta employment attorneys specializing in corporate headquarters, aviation, logistics, media, and technology workplace violations in the capital of the New South and major business hub.
Columbus
Population: 206,922
Columbus employment attorneys specializing in military contracting, manufacturing, healthcare, and education workplace violations in Georgia's second-largest city and Fort Benning home.
Augusta
Population: 202,081
Augusta employment attorneys specializing in healthcare, cybersecurity, government contracting, and manufacturing workplace violations in Georgia's cyber capital and medical hub.
Savannah
Population: 147,780
Savannah employment attorneys specializing in port operations, tourism, manufacturing, logistics, and historic preservation workplace violations in Georgia's colonial jewel and major seaport.
Athens
Population: 127,315
Athens employment attorneys specializing in university employment, healthcare, research, technology, and creative industries workplace violations in Georgia's classic city and home of the University of Georgia.
Common Employment Issues in Georgia
These employment law issues frequently arise for workers in Georgia.
Disability Discrimination
Facing disability discrimination? Know your rights and get the help you deserve.
Learn More →Age Discrimination
Over 40 and facing discrimination? We can help protect your rights in the workplace.
Learn More →Gender Discrimination
Experiencing gender discrimination? We can help you fight for equal treatment.
Learn More →Race Discrimination
Facing racial discrimination at work? Know your rights and get the justice you deserve.
Learn More →When to Contact a Georgia Employment Attorney
Don't wait if you're experiencing workplace violations. Early action can protect your rights.
Discrimination or Harassment
If you're being treated unfairly due to protected characteristics like race, gender, age, or disability.
Wrongful Termination
If you believe you were fired for illegal reasons or in violation of Georgia law.
Wage and Hour Violations
If your employer isn't paying proper wages, overtime, or following Georgia wage laws.
Retaliation
If you're being punished for reporting violations or exercising your legal rights.
Family or Medical Leave Issues
If your employer is denying legally protected leave under Georgia or federal law.
Workplace Safety Concerns
If your employer is creating unsafe working conditions or retaliating for safety complaints.
Protect Your Rights in Georgia
Our employment attorneys understand Georgia law and can help you navigate workplace issues. Get a free consultation today.