Tennessee Employment Law Guide
Tennessee follows federal employment standards with some additional state protections for workers.
Quick Tennessee Facts
Sexual Harassment Laws in Tennessee
Understanding your rights and protections against workplace sexual harassment.
Tennessee Human Rights Act - Tenn. Code Ann. § 4-21-101 et seq.
Filing Deadline: 300 days to file with Tennessee Human Rights Commission | Employer Size: 8 or more employees
Your Protections
- Covers employers with 8 or more employees
- Protects against sexual harassment in employment
- Generally follows federal EEOC standards
- Covers quid pro quo and hostile work environment
- Lower threshold than federal law for some protections
Available Remedies
- Back pay and front pay
- Compensatory damages (limited)
- Punitive damages (limited)
- Injunctive relief
- Reinstatement
- Attorneys fees (limited)
Key Features of Tennessee Law
Lower employer threshold than federal law (8 vs 15 employees)
Right to work state with business-friendly approach
Conservative judicial interpretation of employment laws
Administrative exhaustion required before court filing
Limited damages compared to progressive states
Growing employment law case precedent
Need Help with Sexual Harassment?
Sexual harassment cases require immediate action. Don't wait - the clock is ticking on your legal rights.
Tennessee Labor Codes & Legal Resources
Direct access to Tennessee employment laws and regulations.
Official Tennessee Labor Code
Access the complete, up-to-date Tennessee labor code directly from the official state website.
View Official Tennessee Labor Code →Wage & Hour Laws
Minimum wage, overtime, meal breaks, and pay requirements.
Code Section: Tenn. Code Ann. § 50-2-101 et seq. - Wage Regulation Act
Learn More →Discrimination Laws
Protection against workplace discrimination and harassment.
Code Section: Tenn. Code Ann. § 4-21-101 et seq. - Human Rights Act
Learn More →Sexual Harassment
Laws protecting against sexual harassment in the workplace.
Code Section: Tenn. Code Ann. § 4-21-311
Learn More →Retaliation Protection
Protection for employees who report violations or exercise rights.
Code Section: Tenn. Code Ann. § 50-1-304 - Whistleblower Protection
Learn More →Wrongful Termination
Laws governing when and how employees can be terminated.
Code Section: Tenn. Code Ann. § 4-21-311
Learn More →Download Resources
Checklists and guides to help build your employment case.
Key Employment Laws in Tennessee
Important legislation that protects workers in Tennessee.
Protection Laws
- Tennessee Human Rights Act
- Tennessee Workers' Compensation Law
- Tennessee Right to Work Law
- Tennessee Wage Regulation Act
Important Limitations
- Right to work state
- At-will employment
- Limited state anti-discrimination protections
Common Employment Issues in Tennessee
These employment law issues frequently arise for workers in Tennessee.
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 Tennessee 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 Tennessee law.
Wage and Hour Violations
If your employer isn't paying proper wages, overtime, or following Tennessee 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 Tennessee or federal law.
Workplace Safety Concerns
If your employer is creating unsafe working conditions or retaliating for safety complaints.
Protect Your Rights in Tennessee
Our employment attorneys understand Tennessee law and can help you navigate workplace issues. Get a free consultation today.