Georgia work laws are designed to protect the rights of employees and employers in the state. These laws cover a wide range of topics, including minimum wage, overtime pay, workers' compensation, and employment discrimination. In this article, we will provide an in-depth analysis of Georgia work laws, including the key provisions and how they affect employees and employers.
Minimum Wage and Overtime Pay
Georgia’s minimum wage is currently 5.15 per hour, although many employees are entitled to the federal minimum wage of 7.25 per hour. The federal minimum wage applies to employees who are engaged in interstate commerce, which includes most employees who work for companies that do business across state lines. Employers who are subject to the federal minimum wage law must pay their employees at least $7.25 per hour. In addition to the minimum wage, Georgia employers are also required to pay overtime to employees who work more than 40 hours in a workweek. Overtime pay is calculated at a rate of one and a half times the employee’s regular rate of pay.
Overtime Pay Exemptions
There are certain exemptions to the overtime pay requirement, including employees who are exempt from the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). These exemptions include executive, administrative, and professional employees, as well as outside sales employees and certain computer professionals. Employers who are unsure whether an employee is exempt from overtime pay should consult with an attorney or the U.S. Department of Labor. The following table provides a summary of the overtime pay exemptions in Georgia:
| Exemption Category | Description |
|---|---|
| Executive Exemption | Employees who are paid on a salary basis and who have managerial duties |
| Administrative Exemption | Employees who are paid on a salary basis and who have non-manual work related to the management of the business |
| Professional Exemption | Employees who are paid on a salary basis and who have advanced knowledge in a field of science or learning |
Workers’ Compensation
Georgia’s workers’ compensation law requires employers to provide benefits to employees who are injured on the job. Employers with three or more employees are required to have workers’ compensation insurance. The law provides benefits for medical expenses, lost wages, and permanent disability. Employees who are injured on the job must report the injury to their employer within 30 days and must file a claim with the State Board of Workers’ Compensation within one year.
Workers’ Compensation Benefits
The workers’ compensation law provides a range of benefits to employees who are injured on the job, including medical benefits, income benefits, and permanent disability benefits. Medical benefits cover the cost of medical treatment, including doctor visits, hospital stays, and physical therapy. Income benefits provide partial replacement of lost wages, up to a maximum weekly benefit of $575. Permanent disability benefits provide a lump sum payment to employees who are permanently disabled as a result of a work-related injury.
Employment Discrimination
Georgia’s employment discrimination law prohibits employers from discriminating against employees based on certain protected characteristics, including race, sex, age, disability, and national origin. Employers with 15 or more employees are subject to the law. The law applies to all aspects of employment, including hiring, firing, promotion, and compensation. Employees who believe they have been discriminated against may file a complaint with the Georgia Commission on Equal Opportunity or the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission.
Protected Characteristics
The employment discrimination law protects employees from discrimination based on a range of characteristics, including:
- Race
- Sex
- Age (40 and older)
- Disability
- National origin
What is the minimum wage in Georgia?
+The minimum wage in Georgia is 5.15 per hour, although many employees are entitled to the federal minimum wage of 7.25 per hour.
Who is exempt from overtime pay in Georgia?
+Employees who are exempt from the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) are exempt from overtime pay, including executive, administrative, and professional employees, as well as outside sales employees and certain computer professionals.
What benefits are provided under Georgia’s workers’ compensation law?
+The workers’ compensation law provides benefits for medical expenses, lost wages, and permanent disability. Employees who are injured on the job may receive medical benefits, income benefits, and permanent disability benefits.
