Louisiana Employment Laws

Prohibits intentional employment discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age (40+), disability, sickle cell trait, genetic information, natural/protective/cultural hairstyle, and pregnancy/childbirth (employers with 26+ employees). Applies to employers with 20 or more employees. Enforced by Louisiana Commission on Human Rights and EEOC.

Louisiana has no state minimum wage law. The federal minimum wage of $7.25/hour applies. Tipped employees: $2.13/hour direct wage (employer must make up difference). Louisiana has historically preempted local minimum wage ordinances.

Louisiana's right-to-work protection is enshrined in statute. Employees cannot be compelled to join a union or pay union dues as a condition of employment.

Employers cannot retaliate against employees who disclose workplace violations of state law, provide testimony in public investigations, or refuse to participate in illegal employment acts. Employees must first advise the employer of the violation and give reasonable opportunity to correct.

Employers with policies providing paid vacation must pay all accrued, unused vacation upon termination. "Use it or lose it" vacation policies are permitted.