Employment Contract Laws in Tennessee

• Contracts can help protect employees as well as employers.contract 20309 image by pablo from Fotolia.com
  
  In Tennessee, employment contracts are the terms that you agree to work under. It can be a written or verbal agreement with your employer. It must detail the specifics of the work you are expected to do and the responsibilities you have as well as any rights and privileges you may be privy to. If you do not have an employment contract you are deemed to be working "at will" and may not be entitled to benefits that are given to contract employees. Employment contracts are governed by various laws that assure the safety and legal rights of both the employer and the employee.
  
  

Workplace Safety

• Tennessee state and federal law both mandate that a safe work environment be provided to all contract employees. It must be free from all dangers that are most likely to cause death or serious injury. The Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development Division of Occupational Safety and Health (TOSHA) requires all employers to report injuries and fatalities in the workplace. Tennessee has workers compensation laws in place to provide income for contract workers who are injured on the job.
  
  

Sexual Harassment

• Unwelcome sexual conduct including verbal and physical advances are prohibited by Tennessee employment contract laws. Employees may file suit against an employer for sexual harassment. No job-related benefits can be offered in exchange for sexual favors without penalty of law in Tennessee. An overtly sexual workplace can be deemed hostile as well. Sexual discrimination can be hard to prove in any state. Sexual advances must be well-defined and unmistakable.
  
  

Discrimination

• No contract employment in the state of Tennessee can include any instance of discrimination. No preferences can be made for the hiring, firing or receipt of benefits based on sex, age, religion, origin of nationality or pregnancy. Preferences include but are not limited to promotions, raises in pay, vacations, or job assignments. No discrimination can be taken against employees who are involved in lawsuits against the employer, those who refuse to break the law or any reason not stated in the employment contract.
  
  

Family and Medical Leave

• Tennessee has a Family and Medical Leave Act that assures all contract employees the right to take leave of absence for sickness of oneself or an immediate family member. The Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA) allows for qualifying employees to receive up to 12 weeks of unpaid leave for illness. The illness or injury must be considered serious. This means that it requires at least an overnight stay in the hospital and/or continued treatment by a medical professional.