Workplace Issues in Rhode Island
Key Rhode Island Law
Rhode Island General Laws Section 28-5-7 (Rhode Island Fair Employment Practices Act)
Rhode Island's Fair Employment Practices Act (FEPA) prohibits employment discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, age (40+), country of ancestral origin, arrest record (in certain circumstances), or domestic abuse status. It applies to employers with 4 or more employees.
View official statuteProcedural Details in Rhode Island
Rhode Island Agencies & Resources
Rhode Island Commission for Human Rights
Investigates employment discrimination complaints under the FEPA. Workers have one year from the discriminatory act to file.
Rhode Island Department of Labor and Training — Labor Standards
Enforces Rhode Island minimum wage, paid sick leave, and wage payment laws. Handles wage claims.
Rhode Island Department of Labor and Training — Temporary Disability/Caregiver Insurance
Administers TDI (temporary disability) and TCI (temporary caregiver) paid leave programs.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do I have to file a discrimination complaint in Rhode Island?
Rhode Island gives workers one year from the discriminatory act to file a complaint with the Rhode Island Commission for Human Rights — one of the longer state windows in the country. Rhode Island's FEPA expressly protects sexual orientation and gender identity.
Does Rhode Island have paid family leave?
Rhode Island has a Temporary Caregiver Insurance (TCI) program providing up to 6 weeks of paid caregiver leave funded by employee payroll contributions. It covers bonding with a new child or caring for a seriously ill family member. Rhode Island also has a Temporary Disability Insurance (TDI) program for workers unable to work due to non-work-related illness or injury.
What is Rhode Island's minimum wage?
Rhode Island's minimum wage is $14.00 per hour as of 2024, increasing to $15.00 in 2025. Tipped employees may receive a lower direct wage, provided tips bring them to at least the minimum wage.
Does Rhode Island require paid sick leave?
Yes. Rhode Island's Healthy and Safe Families and Workplaces Act requires employers with 18 or more employees to provide at least 40 hours of paid sick leave per year. Smaller employers must provide unpaid leave. Leave may be used for the employee's illness, a family member's illness, or to address domestic violence situations.
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 Rhode Island?
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