Wrongful Termination in Tennessee: Your Rights
Understanding wrongful termination protections in Tennessee. This guide covers at-will exceptions, protected classes, whistleblower protections, and how to file a claim.
Data last updated: Jan 15, 2025Key Takeaways
- At-will employment: Yes.
- Public policy exception: Recognized.
- Implied contract exception: Not recognized.
- Filing deadline: 180 days for THRC complaints (1 year for THRA civil action); 300 days for EEOC (dual filing).
At-Will Employment in Tennessee
Tennessee is an at-will employment state. Employers can terminate employees for any lawful reason or no reason at all.
Recognized Exceptions
- Public policy
- Statutory protections (THRA)
Protected Classes
In addition to federal protections, Tennessee prohibits employment discrimination based on:
- Race
- Color
- Religion
- Sex
- National origin
- Age (40+)
- Disability
Whistleblower Protections
Tennessee Public Protection Act protects employees who refuse to participate in or remain silent about illegal activities.
Filing a Claim
Back pay, compensatory damages (capped by employer size), and attorney fees.
Tennessee Human Rights Commission (THRC) website
Related Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
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What is the Tennessee Human Rights Act?
The THRA prohibits employment discrimination and applies to employers with 8 or more employees.
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What is the Tennessee Public Protection Act?
This law protects employees from retaliation for refusing to participate in illegal activities or for refusing to remain silent about them.
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Does Tennessee protect sexual orientation?
No. Tennessee does not include sexual orientation or gender identity as protected classes under state law.
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Can I file directly in court in Tennessee?
Yes. Under the THRA, you can file a civil action in court within 1 year of the discriminatory act, independently of the administrative process.