Workplace Issues in Alabama

In Alabama, you generally have 180 days from the date of the discriminatory act to file a charge with the EEOC. Because Alabama does not have a state fair employment practices agency with a dual-filing agreement for all claim types, the standard 300-day window may not apply. After the EEOC issues a right-to-sue letter, you have 90 days to file a federal lawsuit.

Generally yes. Alabama is an at-will employment state, meaning your employer can terminate your employment for any reason — or no reason — as long as the reason is not unlawful (such as discrimination based on race, sex, age, or disability, or retaliation for legally protected activity). Alabama's public policy exception to at-will employment is quite narrow compared to many other states.

Alabama does not have a state minimum wage law, so the federal minimum wage of $7.25 per hour applies. Some cities attempted to raise local minimum wages, but Alabama law preempts local minimum wage ordinances.

You may file a complaint for unpaid wages with the Alabama Department of Labor's Labor Standards Division. You can also file a federal wage claim with the U.S. Department of Labor Wage and Hour Division for violations of the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), including overtime and minimum wage violations.