Attorneys

Tennessee Labor and Employment FAQs

• Q: If The Employer Refuses Payment Of Wages, What Can The Employee Do?
  A: Anyone who has a problem collecting wages can file a wage claim with the Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development's Division of Labor Standards. If the … More
• Q: If An Employee Is Still Employed And The Employer Is Not Paying The Employee Correctly And They File A Wage Claim, Can They Be Terminated?
  A: There is no Tennessee law, which prevents an employer from firing an employee because they file a complaint with our office, unless the complaint was equal pay.
• Q: Who Determines How Many Hours A Part-Time Employee May Work And How Long May An Employee Be Consider Part-Time?
  A: The employer sets the number of hours and makes the decision when the employee becomes a permanent employee.
• Q: My Employer Has Just Told Me That I Am Going To Be Paid By Direct Deposit. Can He Do This?
  A: Yes, an employer can change the method of payment to direct deposit. However, the choice of the financial institution must be that of the employee.
• Q: My Child Is 15 And Wants To Work. Where Do I Get A Work Permit?
  A: The state no longer issues work permits. The minor needs to provide the prospective employer with a copy one of the following documents as proof of age birth … More
• Q: What Is The Age A Child Can Go To Work? Are There Any Restrictions?
  A: In Tennessee, a minor must be 14 years of age before they can work. Some of the restrictions for 14 and 15­year­old minors are: WHEN SCHOOL IS IN SESSION: … More
• Q: Are Breaks Required For Minors Under Age 18:
  A: Any minor scheduled to work 6 hours must have a thirty (30) minute rest or meal break no exceptions.
• Q: Are These Restrictions The Same For 16 And 17 Year Olds?
  A: No. There are no limitations on the number of hours that 16 and 17­year­old minors work. They cannot be required to work during school hours; nor can they work … More
• Q: I Am Working On A State-Funded Prevailing Wage Project? I Am Performing The Duties Of A Carpenter But Not Being Paid The Correct Wages. Can You Help Me?
  A: Yes. All contractors on state­funded projects are required to post the wage rate on the job­site and pay the correct rate of pay for each craft they perform.
• Q: Does The Department Of Labor And Workforce Development Make On-Site Inspections?
  A: Yes. On­site inspections are made and employees are interviewed to see if they are being paid the correct rate for the job they are performing. We check to be sure … More
• Q: Who Sets The Prevailing Wage Rates?
  A: The Prevailing Wage Commission sets the rates on highway projects every year and on building projects every other year. Both are based on a survey of each industry.

Click here to view general Labor and Employment FAQs