Alabama Employment Law

Alabama has no general state employment discrimination statute for private employers. The Alabama Age Discrimination in Employment Act covers employers with 20+ employees. Private-sector employees rely heavily on federal law. Non-deferral state — EEOC filing deadline is 180 days.

At-Will

Yes

Right-to-Work

Yes

EEOC Deferral

180 days

Min. Wage

$7.25

Alabama State Laws (2)

AL ADEA

Ala. Code §§ 25-1-20 to 25-1-29

180 days
20+ employees

Prohibits age-based employment discrimination against individuals who are 40 years of age or older. Mirrors the federal ADEA at the state level, providing Alabama employees with a state cause of action for age discrimination in hiring, firing, compensation, and other terms of employment.

Protected Classes

age (40+)

Key Provisions

  • ✓Prohibits age discrimination in hiring, firing, promotion, and compensation
  • ✓Covers employers with 20 or more employees within the state
  • ✓Closely mirrors the federal Age Discrimination in Employment Act
  • ✓Provides a state-level cause of action independent of EEOC process

Remedies

Back payReinstatementLiquidated damages for willful violationsAttorney fees and costs
File with: EEOC (no state FEP agency with general jurisdiction)180 days

AL Whistleblower

Ala. Code § 36-26A-1 et seq.

— days
1+ employees

Provides limited whistleblower protections primarily for public employees who report violations of law, mismanagement, or abuse of authority. Private-sector whistleblower protections in Alabama are minimal and largely depend on common law or federal statutes.

Key Provisions

  • ✓Prohibits retaliation against public employees who report waste, fraud, or abuse
  • ✓Protects employees who refuse to participate in illegal activities
  • ✓Limited scope compared to most other states' whistleblower laws
  • ✓Private-sector protections rely largely on federal law

Remedies

ReinstatementBack payRestoration of benefitsAttorney fees in certain circumstances
File with: State Personnel Board or private lawsuitVaries; consult an attorney

Federal Laws That Apply in Alabama

These federal statutes protect workers nationwide, including in Alabama. Alabama is a non-deferral state — the EEOC filing deadline is 180 days.

Title VII15+ employees
180 days
ADA15+ employees
180 days
ADEA20+ employees
180 days
EPA1+ employees
730 days
PDA15+ employees
180 days
PWFA15+ employees
180 days
FMLA50+ employees
730 days
FLSA1+ employees
730 days
Section 19811+ employees
1460 days
GINA15+ employees
180 days
USERRA1+ employees
— days
NLRA1+ employees
180 days
OSH Act1+ employees
30 days
WARN Act100+ employees
— days
Rehabilitation Act1+ employees
180 days
SOX Section 8061+ employees
180 days
INA Section 1324b4+ employees
180 days

Check which laws apply to your situation in Alabama

Our free assessment identifies applicable federal, state, and local protections based on your specific circumstances.

Check My Rights

This information is provided for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.Alabama laws are subject to legislative changes. Consult a qualified employment attorney in Alabama for advice about your specific situation. Last reviewed: February 2025.