Tennessee Employment Laws

Prohibits employment discrimination based on race, creed, color, religion, sex, age (40+), national origin, and disability. Applies to employers with 8 or more employees. Does NOT include sexual orientation or gender identity as protected classes. Remedies include reinstatement, back pay, compensatory damages, and reasonable attorney's fees.

Tennessee elevated its right-to-work status to a constitutional protection in 2022. Employees cannot be required to join a union or pay union dues as a condition of employment. This is now embedded in the state constitution, making it nearly impossible to repeal through ordinary legislation.

Tennessee is one of 5 states with no state minimum wage. The federal minimum wage of $7.25/hr applies. Tennessee actually has a law (T.C.A. § 50-2-112) that preempts local governments from setting higher minimum wages.

Tennessee prohibits employers from taking adverse action against employees for legal off-duty activities, including lawful use of agricultural products (tobacco) and lawful use of firearms off the employer's premises.

Employers may not discharge or discriminate against an employee solely for filing a workers' compensation claim. A retaliatory discharge claim must be filed within 1 year. Remedies include reinstatement and lost wages.