Have questions about employment laws and workplace rights? Check out our guides on the most common issues impacting our clients and workers across the state.
Are you an organization interested in hosting a worker’s rights workshop? Please contact us to learn about our legal education programs, tailored for workers representing diverse backgrounds and industries.
Common Issues At Work
The Louisiana Wage Payment Act requires employers to pay all earned wages by the next regular payday or within 15 days of separation - whichever comes first. This includes any earned PTO or vacation time that you are entitled to under the employer’s policy. To trigger your right to file a claim under the law, you must first make demand for your wages.
Wage Claims
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Many workers are unsure about what legally counts as workplace discrimination. Unfair treatment, rude comments, or poor management can make a workplace difficult, but they do not always violate the law. The discriminatory action must be based on your membership in a protected class, including: race, color, national origin, or sex. You must also be qualified for your position at work and suffer an adverse action because of the discriminatory action, such as termination, reduced pay, demotion etc. You must also show that someone who does not belong in a protected class was treated better than you.
Workplace Discrimination
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Many workers assume that an unfair firing is also an unlawful one. But unfairness alone does not necessarily make a termination illegal. The key question is whether the firing violated a legal protection or an enforceable employment agreement.
Wrongful Termination
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Unemployment Benefits
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Unemployment benefits provide temporary financial support to eligible Louisiana workers who lose their jobs through no fault of their own. Being fired does not automatically disqualify you—the reason for the firing matters. Workers generally must have sufficient past earnings, be able and available to work, and actively look for work. You have the right to apply and to appeal if benefits are denied.
WJP’s educational programs and materials is made possible through the generous support of the Louisiana Bar Foundation.