Workplace Issues in North Dakota
Key North Dakota Law
North Dakota Century Code Section 14-02.4-03 (North Dakota Human Rights Act)
The North Dakota Human Rights Act prohibits employment discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age (40+), disability, status with regard to marriage or public assistance, or participation in lawful activity during nonworking hours. It applies to employers with 1 or more employees.
View official statuteProcedural Details in North Dakota
North Dakota Agencies & Resources
North Dakota Department of Labor and Human Rights
Investigates employment discrimination complaints and enforces wage and hour laws. File within 300 days of the discriminatory act.
EEOC Minneapolis Area Office
Handles federal employment discrimination charges for North Dakota workers.
North Dakota Job Service — Unemployment Insurance
Administers unemployment insurance benefits for eligible North Dakota workers.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do I have to file a discrimination complaint in North Dakota?
Workers have 300 days from the discriminatory act to file a complaint with the North Dakota Department of Labor and Human Rights. North Dakota's law covers employers with one or more employees. After investigation, workers may pursue a right-to-sue notice to file in state or federal court.
Can my employer fire me for legal activities I do outside of work in North Dakota?
North Dakota's Human Rights Act includes protection for "participation in lawful activity during nonworking hours" as a protected characteristic. This may protect workers from termination for engaging in legal activities — such as legal recreational activities, legal political activities, or legal tobacco use — outside of work hours. The exact scope of this protection may require legal analysis.
What is North Dakota's minimum wage?
North Dakota's minimum wage follows the federal floor of $7.25 per hour. North Dakota has not enacted a higher state minimum wage. Workers who believe their wages are below the required minimum may file a complaint with the North Dakota Department of Labor or the U.S. Department of Labor Wage and Hour Division.
Does North Dakota protect sexual orientation in employment?
North Dakota's state law does not expressly protect sexual orientation or gender identity. Workers may rely on the federal Bostock v. Clayton County interpretation of Title VII's sex discrimination prohibition for federal-level protections.
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 North Dakota?
Every situation is unique. Try our educational assessment tool for guidance based on your specific circumstances.