What employment laws should I be aware of as an employer in Georgia?

Employment Laws in Georgia

As an employer in Georgia, it is important to be aware of the following employment laws:

1. Georgia Fair Employment Practices Act: This act prohibits discrimination against employees based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, or disability. It also prohibits retaliation against employees who file a complaint or participate in an investigation of discrimination.
2. Georgia Minimum Wage Law: Employers in Georgia must pay the state minimum wage of $7.25 per hour. However, local governments may have higher minimum wage requirements.
3. Georgia Wage Payment Law: This law requires that employers pay employees all wages earned on regular paydays. Employers may not withhold wages for any reason without the employee's written consent.
4. Georgia Family and Medical Leave Law: This law requires employers with 50 or more employees to provide up to 12 weeks of unpaid leave to employees for certain family and medical reasons. During this leave, the employer must continue to provide the employee with health insurance benefits.
5. Georgia Workers' Compensation Law: This law requires employers to provide workers' compensation insurance to employees who are injured on the job. Employees who are injured on the job may be eligible for medical treatment and wage replacement benefits.
6. Georgia Child Labor Law: This law restricts the hours and types of work that minors (under age 18) may perform. It also requires that employers obtain work permits for minor employees.

It is important to note that these laws may have exceptions and limitations depending on the specific circumstances. As an employer, it is important to consult with a licensed attorney or the Georgia Department of Labor to ensure compliance with these laws.

If an employer is found to be in violation of these laws, they may face legal consequences such as fines or legal action by affected employees. To avoid these consequences, employers should regularly review their employment practices and policies to ensure compliance with all applicable laws.