How to Report Labor Law Violations in Louisiana

All businesses and government agencies in the state of Louisiana must comply with the labor laws set by the federal and state governments. If you are the victim of a labor law violation by your employer or if you're aware of a violation committed by another employer or employee, report it to the appropriate overseeing commission or government agency. In some cases, a state-level agency can help resolve the issue. In other cases, the violation must be reported to the federal government. If you're not sure if your situation is a violation of a Louisiana or a federal labor law, consult the Louisiana Workforce Commission at 250-342-3111.

Instructions

1. Contact the New Orleans wage and hour division of the U.S. Department of Labor to report violations regarding your wages or the hours you're required to work. The division can be reached at 504-589-6171. Alternatively, you may report any such violations to the department's national hotline at 866-487-9243. The division handles most violations that deal with hours or wages, including minimum pay, overtime pay and violations of the federal Family and Medical Leave Act.

2. Call the Louisiana Commission on Human Rights at 225-342-6969 if you feel you're being discriminated against in your job or when applying for a job. Alternatively, you can report such violations to the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission by calling 800-669-4000 and asking for the New Orleans field office. Discrimination generally covers religion, sex, race or genetic information, color, national origin, disability and age.

3. Report potential violations of child labor laws to the Louisiana Workforce Commission by calling 225-342-7824. This includes working children younger than 18 without the appropriate exemption authorization.

4. Contact the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission at 800-669-4000 if you feel you're being discriminated against by a private sector employer for a medical or physical disability. If you feel you're being discriminated against by a Louisiana state agency or a federal agency, call the U.S. Department of Justice's civil rights division at 800-514-0301.

References

• Business.gov: Operating a Business in Louisiana
• Louisiana Workforce Commission: Labor Law Information Resources
• U.S. Department of Labor: Minimum Wage Compliance
• U.S. Department of Labor Wage and Hour Division: Louisiana
• U.S. Office of Disability Employment Policy: What To Do If You Think You Have Been Discriminated Against