labor lawAdivision of labor law center

Through my extensive research into the variations between state’s discrimination laws, I have found that most states adopt the same general principles when it comes to discrimination: don’t do it. The Federal government has guidelines that each state must adhere to. The major difference between the way that states handle discrimination is in the litigation. Because many discrimination cases are handled in the Federal courts, many of the rulings are the same. However, when a case is handled in the state courts, there can be major differences in the punishment and way that the case is handled.

In Tennessee, I found that it is unlawful to discriminate against an employee or potential employee based on race, religion, ancestry, sex, age (over 40), sexuality or country of origin.

If an employee or potential employee feels that he or she has been discriminated against, he or she has two actions: he can file with the Federal government or he can file with the state government. The Federal and state governments do cross-file their papers, so if you file with one, you will automatically be filed with the other, as long as you request the service.

When you believe that you have been discriminated against, you do have a timeframe in which you need to act. When you file with the state government, you must file within 180 days of the alleged discrimination. You have longer with the Federal government. Also, many people choose to file with the Federal government because you can claim more harm and therefore, possibly receive more benefits, than if you file with the state government.

It is always a good idea to get an attorney involved if you believe that you have been discriminated against. The attorney can assist you with the filing and with any charges that you may wish to press.

All the most recent labor law information including discrimination can be seen in detail on the Tennessee Complete Labor Law poster.

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