Workplace Issues in Louisiana
Key Louisiana Law
Louisiana Revised Statutes Section 23:332 (Louisiana Employment Discrimination Law)
Louisiana prohibits employment discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, or age (40+) under La. R.S. 23:332. It applies to employers with 20 or more employees, which is a higher threshold than most states, leaving workers at smaller employers to rely primarily on federal law.
View official statuteProcedural Details in Louisiana
Louisiana Agencies & Resources
Louisiana Commission on Human Rights (LCHR)
Investigates employment discrimination complaints under Louisiana law for employers with 20+ employees. Dual-files with the EEOC.
Louisiana Workforce Commission — Labor Law Section
Enforces Louisiana wage payment laws and the Louisiana Wage Payment Act. Handles wage claims.
EEOC New Orleans Field Office
Handles federal employment discrimination charges for Louisiana workers under Title VII, ADA, ADEA, and GINA.
Frequently Asked Questions
What employers are covered by Louisiana's discrimination law?
Louisiana's main employment discrimination statute (La. R.S. 23:332) applies to employers with 20 or more employees — higher than most states. Workers at employers with 15-19 employees can still rely on federal Title VII and ADA protections. Workers at employers with fewer than 15 employees have more limited legal options.
How long do I have to file a discrimination charge in Louisiana?
For federal EEOC charges in Louisiana, workers generally have 300 days from the discriminatory act to file, as Louisiana has a dual-filing arrangement with the EEOC through the Louisiana Commission on Human Rights. After receiving a right-to-sue letter, you have 90 days to file a federal lawsuit.
What happens if my employer doesn't pay my final paycheck in Louisiana?
Louisiana's Wage Payment Act (La. R.S. 23:631) requires employers to pay all wages due to a discharged employee by the next regular payday or within 15 days of discharge, whichever is first. A worker who quits must be paid by the next regular payday. Employers who willfully fail to pay may owe up to 90 days of additional wages as a penalty, plus attorney's fees.
What is Louisiana's minimum wage?
Louisiana follows the federal minimum wage of $7.25 per hour and prohibits local governments from enacting higher minimum wages. Louisiana has no state paid sick leave or paid family leave requirement.
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 Louisiana?
Every situation is unique. Try our educational assessment tool for guidance based on your specific circumstances.