Workplace Issues in Arkansas
Key Arkansas Law
Arkansas Code Annotated Section 16-123-107 (Arkansas Civil Rights Act of 1993)
The Arkansas Civil Rights Act of 1993 prohibits employment discrimination based on race, religion, ancestry or national origin, gender, or disability. It provides a right to sue in state court, but coverage and remedies differ from federal law — notably, it applies to employers with 9 or more employees and caps damages.
View official statuteProcedural Details in Arkansas
Arkansas Agencies & Resources
Arkansas Department of Labor and Licensing
Enforces Arkansas minimum wage and wage payment laws, investigates wage complaints.
EEOC Little Rock Area Office
Handles federal employment discrimination charges for Arkansas workers under Title VII, ADA, and ADEA.
Arkansas State Bar — Lawyer Referral Service
Connects Arkansas workers with licensed employment attorneys for workplace rights consultations.
Frequently Asked Questions
What anti-discrimination protections do Arkansas workers have?
Arkansas workers are protected by the Arkansas Civil Rights Act (employers with 9+ employees) and federal laws including Title VII (15+ employees), the ADA (15+), and the ADEA (20+). Arkansas law does not expressly include sexual orientation or gender identity as protected classes at the state level; workers may rely on Bostock v. Clayton County for federal protection against sex-based discrimination.
How long do I have to file a discrimination charge in Arkansas?
For federal claims, you generally have 180 days to file with the EEOC. Depending on dual-filing agreements, this may extend to 300 days. After receiving a right-to-sue letter, you have 90 days to file a lawsuit. Confirm current filing deadlines with the EEOC Little Rock office because dual-filing status can affect the deadline.
What is Arkansas's minimum wage?
Arkansas's minimum wage is $11.00 per hour as of 2024, above the federal floor of $7.25. Arkansas voters approved minimum wage increases via ballot measure in 2018, with scheduled increases since then.
Can I be fired for filing a workers' compensation claim in Arkansas?
Arkansas recognizes a public policy exception to at-will employment when an employee is fired for filing a workers' compensation claim under Ark. Code Ann. § 11-9-107. This is one of the clearest protections from retaliatory discharge in Arkansas employment law.
Related Workplace Issues Scenarios
Can I sue for wrongful termination?
Understanding when firing might be illegal and what your employment rights are.
Can I sue for unpaid wages?
Understanding your rights when an employer doesn't pay what you're owed.
Can I sue for retaliation after reporting workplace safety concerns?
Legal protection against employer retaliation for reporting safety violations or refusing unsafe work.
Can I sue for disability discrimination when employer won't accommodate?
Legal options when employers fail to provide reasonable accommodations for qualified disabilities.
Have a Specific Situation in Arkansas?
Every situation is unique. Try our educational assessment tool for guidance based on your specific circumstances.