Labor Standards Unit
TN Department of Labor & Workforce DevelopmentLabor Standards Unit of Workplace Regulations & Compliance Division
The Labor Standards Unit enforces six (6) labor laws - Child Labor Act, Wage Regulations Act, Prevailing Wage Act, Illegal Alien Act, Tennessee Lawful Employment Act (TLEA), and the Non-Smoker Protection Act (NSPA):
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Contact Us
(844) 224-5818
Labor Standards Unit
News and Announcements
New Labor Standards Legislation – Effective May 11, 2017
Public Chapter - Starting January 1, 2017
New Changes in Effect Beginning January 1, 2023
Amendments to the Tennessee Lawful Employment Act should be reviewed as they are effective January 1, 2023. View Explanation of 2023 TLEA Act.
Inside the Labor Standards Unit
Employee Rights
Employers may legally hire, fire, suspend, or discipline any employee at any time and for any reason - good or bad - or for no reason at all; however, an employer may not discriminate against any employee on the basis of the employee's race, sex, age, religion, color, national origin, or disability.
Child Labor
Almost all minors under the age of 18 are subject to Tennessee's child labor protections. This section gives rules on working hours, allowable jobs, and exceptions. The Child Labor Act prohibits the employment of minors in certain occupations and in working conditions that may be hazardous.
Wages & Breaks
The Wage Regulations Act protects wage earners from unfair practices regarding pay. This section answers frequently asked questions regarding the following: breaks and meal periods, paid vacations and holidays, sex discrimination, final paychecks, payday regulations, and deductions.
Referrals
Certain issues are not regulated by the TN Department of Labor and Workforce Development. In instances where the department does not have jurisdiction, referrals are commonly made to the U.S. Department of Labor, Tennessee Human Rights Commission, or Equal Employment Opportunity Commission.
Employment Verification
All private employers with six or more employees must register and utilize E-Verify or request and maintain one of the listed identity/employment authorization documents from a newly hired employee or non-employee.
Prevailing Wage
The Prevailing Wage Act protects wage earners from unfair practices regarding pay on state-funded highway construction projects. It requires a survey to be conducted to determine wage rates for job classifications for such projects.
Prevailing Wage Commission
The Prevailing Wage Commission has the duty of determining the prevailing wage rate for state highway (i.e., highways, roads, and bridges) construction projects.
TN Laws and Codes
This link goes to the Tennessee Code Unannotated - Free Public Access website. This website is maintained by LexisNexis, the publisher of the Tennessee Code Annotated to provide free public access to the law.
Labor Standards Training Classes
Did you know we offer Labor Standards training classes? The Labor Standards Unit offers training classes to employers and members of management who are interested in learning about Tennessee’s labor laws. This is an excellent way for employers to gain knowledge on becoming (or continuing to be) compliant with the acts covered by the Labor Standards Unit, as well as become educated on ways to avoid costly penalties. Classes typically take about an hour to complete, and we offer in person and virtual classes to meet the needs of employers. If you would like to sign up for a class for your management team, please let us know!
Contact Us
(844) 224-5818
Labor Standards Unit