Tennessee § 50-3-409 - Discrimination against employee.
Full text of Tennessee Tennessee Code Annotated § 50-3-409 — Discrimination against employee., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 50-3-409. Discrimination against employee.
No person shall discharge or in any manner discriminate against any employee because the employee has filed any complaint or instituted or caused to be instituted any proceeding under or related to this chapter, or has testified or is about to testify in any such proceeding, or because of the exercise by the employee on behalf of the employee or others of any rights afforded by this chapter. Any employee who believes that the employee has been discharged or otherwise discriminated against by any person in violation of this section may, within thirty (30) days after the violation occurs, file a complaint with the commissioner of labor and workforce development alleging the discrimination. Upon receipt of the complaint, the commissioner shall cause an investigation to be made that the commissioner deems appropriate. If, upon investigation, the commissioner determines that this section has been violated, the commissioner shall bring an action in any appropriate chancery court against the person. In any such action, the chancery courts shall have jurisdiction, for cause shown, to restrain violations of subsection (a) and order all appropriate relief, including rehiring or reinstatement of the employee to the employee's former position with back pay. Within ninety (90) days of the receipt of a complaint filed under this section, the commissioner shall notify the complainant of the commissioner's determination under subsection (b). Acts 1972, ch. 561, § 12; 1974, ch. 585, §§ 21, 35; T.C.A., § 50-542; Acts 1999, ch. 520, § 41. Attorney General Opinions. Tennessee Occupational Safety and Health Administration has no statutory authority to investigate or prosecute a complaint of discrimination by an employee of a state government department or agency pursuant to this section, but such agencies may enter into agreements with the Department of Labor and Workforce Development allowing for investigations and sanctions, OAG 03-115 (9/10/03).
Source: official Tennessee text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Tennessee § 50-3-409
What does Tennessee Code Annotated § 50-3-409 cover?
Section 50-3-409 ("Discrimination against employee.") is part of the Tennessee Code Annotated, the codified statutory law of Tennessee. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Tennessee § 50-3-409?
A common citation format is "Tennessee Code Annotated § 50-3-409" (Tennessee). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Tennessee law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Tennessee official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Tennessee attorney.
How does Tennessee § 50-3-409 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Tennessee can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Tennessee.