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Tennessee Employment Law

Tennessee Human Rights Act covers employers with 8+ employees (5+ for disability claims) with a 365-day filing deadline. Public Protection Act provides whistleblower protections.

At-Will

Yes

Right-to-Work

Yes

EEOC Deferral

300 days

Min. Wage

$7.25

Tennessee State Laws (2)

THRA

Tenn. Code Ann. §§ 4-21-101 to 4-21-1004

365 days
8+ employees

The Tennessee Human Rights Act prohibits employment discrimination based on race, creed, color, religion, sex, age (40+), national origin, and disability. The Act covers employers with eight or more employees (five or more for disability discrimination). Complaints must be filed within 365 days with the Tennessee Human Rights Commission. Tennessee does not include sexual orientation or gender identity as protected classes at the state level.

Protected Classes

racecreedcolorreligionsexage (40+)national origindisability

Key Provisions

  • ✓Covers employers with 8 or more employees generally, but only 5 for disability discrimination claims
  • ✓Provides a generous 365-day filing deadline with the Tennessee Human Rights Commission
  • ✓Does not include sexual orientation or gender identity as protected classes; Tennessee Human Rights Commission investigates and mediates complaints

Remedies

Back payReinstatementCompensatory damagesPunitive damagesAttorney fees and costsInjunctive relief
File with: Tennessee Human Rights Commission (THRC)365 days (1 year) from the discriminatory act

TN PPA

Tenn. Code Ann. § 50-1-304

365 days
1+ employees

The Tennessee Public Protection Act prohibits employers from retaliating against employees who refuse to participate in or remain silent about illegal activities. The Act covers all employers with one or more employees and provides a private right of action for employees who are discharged for refusing to participate in or for refusing to remain silent about activities that the employee reasonably believes to be illegal. It is Tennessee's primary whistleblower statute for private-sector employees.

Key Provisions

  • ✓Prohibits termination of employees who refuse to participate in or remain silent about employer illegal activities
  • ✓Primary whistleblower protection for private-sector employees in Tennessee
  • ✓Covers all employers regardless of size; employees must demonstrate a reasonable belief that the employer's activity was illegal

Remedies

ReinstatementBack payCompensatory damagesReasonable attorney fees and costs
File with: Private lawsuit (state court)1 year from the retaliatory discharge

Federal Laws That Apply in Tennessee

These federal statutes protect workers nationwide, including in Tennessee. As a deferral state, the EEOC filing deadline is extended to 300 days for most claims.

Title VII15+ employees
300 days
ADA15+ employees
300 days
ADEA20+ employees
300 days
EPA1+ employees
730 days
PDA15+ employees
300 days
PWFA15+ employees
300 days
FMLA50+ employees
730 days
FLSA1+ employees
730 days
Section 19811+ employees
1460 days
GINA15+ employees
300 days
USERRA1+ employees
— days
NLRA1+ employees
180 days
OSH Act1+ employees
30 days
WARN Act100+ employees
— days
Rehabilitation Act1+ employees
300 days
SOX Section 8061+ employees
180 days
INA Section 1324b4+ employees
180 days

Check which laws apply to your situation in Tennessee

Our free assessment identifies applicable federal, state, and local protections based on your specific circumstances.

Check My Rights

This information is provided for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.Tennessee laws are subject to legislative changes. Consult a qualified employment attorney in Tennessee for advice about your specific situation. Last reviewed: March 2026.