North Carolina Employment Law Guide
North Carolina follows federal employment standards with some additional state protections for workers.
Quick North Carolina Facts
Sexual Harassment Laws in North Carolina
Understanding your rights and protections against workplace sexual harassment.
North Carolina Equal Employment Practices Act - N.C. Gen. Stat. Chapter 143
Filing Deadline: 300 days to file with North Carolina Human Relations Commission | Employer Size: 15 or more employees
Your Protections
- Covers employers with 15 or more employees
- Protects against sexual harassment in employment
- Generally follows federal EEOC standards
- Limited additional protections beyond federal law
- Covers both quid pro quo and hostile work environment
Available Remedies
- Back pay and front pay
- Compensatory damages (limited)
- Punitive damages (limited)
- Injunctive relief
- Reinstatement
- Attorneys fees (in some cases)
Key Features of North Carolina Law
Right to work state with limited worker protections
Generally mirrors federal EEOC standards
Limited damages compared to employee-friendly states
Administrative exhaustion required before court filing
Strong employer defenses available
Conservative judicial interpretation of employment laws
Need Help with Sexual Harassment?
Sexual harassment cases require immediate action. Don't wait - the clock is ticking on your legal rights.
North Carolina Labor Codes & Legal Resources
Direct access to North Carolina employment laws and regulations.
Official North Carolina Labor Code
Access the complete, up-to-date North Carolina labor code directly from the official state website.
View Official North Carolina Labor Code →Wage & Hour Laws
Minimum wage, overtime, meal breaks, and pay requirements.
Code Section: N.C. Gen. Stat. Chapter 95 - Wage and Hour Act
Learn More →Discrimination Laws
Protection against workplace discrimination and harassment.
Code Section: N.C. Gen. Stat. Chapter 143 - Equal Employment Practices Act
Learn More →Sexual Harassment
Laws protecting against sexual harassment in the workplace.
Code Section: N.C. Gen. Stat. § 143-422.2
Learn More →Retaliation Protection
Protection for employees who report violations or exercise rights.
Code Section: N.C. Gen. Stat. § 95-241 - Retaliatory Employment Discrimination
Learn More →Wrongful Termination
Laws governing when and how employees can be terminated.
Code Section: N.C. Gen. Stat. § 143-422.2
Learn More →Download Resources
Checklists and guides to help build your employment case.
Key Employment Laws in North Carolina
Important legislation that protects workers in North Carolina.
Protection Laws
- North Carolina Equal Employment Practices Act
- North Carolina Workers' Compensation Act
- North Carolina Right to Work Law
- North Carolina Wage and Hour Act
Important Limitations
- Right to work state
- At-will employment
- Limited state anti-discrimination protections
Employment Lawyers in Major North Carolina Cities
Find local employment attorneys in these major North Carolina metropolitan areas.
Charlotte
Population: 885,708
Charlotte employment attorneys specializing in banking, healthcare, technology, and transportation workplace violations in North Carolina's largest city and major financial center.
Raleigh
Population: 474,069
Raleigh employment attorneys specializing in government, technology, research, education, and healthcare workplace violations in North Carolina's capital and Research Triangle hub.
Greensboro
Population: 296,710
Greensboro employment attorneys specializing in manufacturing, healthcare, education, logistics, and professional services workplace violations in the Triad region's largest city.
Durham
Population: 283,506
Durham employment attorneys specializing in research, biotechnology, healthcare, education, and technology workplace violations in the Bull City and Research Triangle anchor.
Winston-Salem
Population: 249,545
Winston-Salem employment attorneys specializing in healthcare, manufacturing, education, finance, and technology workplace violations in the Twin City and Triad region hub.
Common Employment Issues in North Carolina
These employment law issues frequently arise for workers in North Carolina.
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 North Carolina 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 North Carolina law.
Wage and Hour Violations
If your employer isn't paying proper wages, overtime, or following North Carolina 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 North Carolina or federal law.
Workplace Safety Concerns
If your employer is creating unsafe working conditions or retaliating for safety complaints.
Protect Your Rights in North Carolina
Our employment attorneys understand North Carolina law and can help you navigate workplace issues. Get a free consultation today.