Employee Rights in Tennessee
Labor law in Tennessee protects workers and employers alike. As set forth by the state's Annual Workforce Report, laws governing the rights and responsibilities of those on both ends of an employment contract are clear and transparent. This transparency helps keep workers and their employers on the same page to avoid inappropriate situations and potential lawsuits. In addition to state labor law, Tennessee employees are protected by a handful of federal provisions.
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Right to Equal Opportunity
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Civil rights legislation in the state of Tennessee stipulates that all citizens are entitled to equal employment opportunities irrespective of factors such as race, gender, color, ethnicity, age, religion and orientation. Title 4, Chapter 21 of the Tennessee state code protects the rights of its citizens by barring employers from dismissing, docking wages, inadequately training or classifying employees due to any of these factors. Employees who feel they have been victims of discrimination have the right to file suit against the employer in question. Religious organizations are exempt from this clause of the law.
Workers' Compensation
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Employers covered by the Tennessee Workers' Compensation Act are required to file all known work-related injuries or illnesses with the state government. Employees in the state of Tennessee are entitled to financial compensation for work missed due to workplace injury and illness, and also reimbursement for medical costs. If an employee in the state of Tennessee feels his employer has ignored a work-related injury or illness, the employee has the right to file a claim with the state.
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Family and Medical Leave Act
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Under the Family and Medical Leave Act, employees of companies or corporations with more than 50 workers have the right to medical leave under certain circumstances without the threat of loss of employment. Employers are not required to pay employees covered under FMLA, though those employees do have the right to a maximum of 12 weeks of job-protected leave for personal or family-related medical situations or emergencies. Employees have the right to full transparency in regards to this act; employers covered by FMLA are required to display posters in the workplace explaining the act and its benefits.
Additional Rights
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Under Tennessee state law, all employees are entitled to a smoke-free workplace. Smoking is prohibited in all enclosed public spaces throughout the state. Moreover, for every six hours worked consecutively, employees in the state of Tennessee are entitled to an unpaid 30-minute break for rest or a meal. The state Wage Regulations Act grants employees the right to fair wages and stipulates that all employees performing the same function receive the same pay rate, regardless of gender.
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References
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