Filing a Wage and Hour Claim – Louisiana

Does Louisiana have state overtime laws that are different from federal law?

Louisiana does not have overtime laws that are different from federal law. Additional information on federal overtime law is available at http://www.workplacefairness.org/overtime.

Does Louisiana have a minimum wage that is different from federal law?

Louisiana does not have a state minimum wage that differs from federal law. The federal rate of $7.25 per hour applies in Louisiana.

Does Louisiana have meal and rest break requirements, unlike federal law?

Louisiana does not have any meal or rest break requirements.

How do I file a wage/hour or labor standards claim in Louisiana?

You cannot file a wage/hour or labor standards claim in Louisiana unless you have worked and not received your pay. Louisiana employees who are laid off, fired, or who quit must be paid their wages in full at the next regular payday, not to exceed 15 days from the date of their discharge or termination. Wages include vacation time earned by the employee. An employee should send a written demand for payment of their final wages to their employer. After receipt of a written demand, the employer must pay all wages owed to the employee on a timely basis or be subject to a penalty that may be imposed by a court. Claims against an employer for late payment may be filed by way of a private lawsuit. The Louisiana Department of Labor does not have the authority to enforce this law.

What are my time deadlines for filing a wage claim?

If you have a wage/hour complaint, do not delay in contacting an attorney. There are strict time limits in which wage claims must be filed. Additional information on filing a federal claim is available at http://www.workplacefairness.org/complaintpay.

State Labor Agency

Louisiana Department of Labor
Physical Address:
1001 N. 23rd Street

Mailing Address:

P.O. Box 94094
Baton Rouge, LA 70804 – 9094
Ph: 225-342-3111
Web: http://www.laworks.net/Workers.asp

This material was originally prepared by attorney Joseph Jaramillo and former law clerks Keia Cole and Adam Weiss of the law firm Goldstein, Demchak Baller Borgen and Dardarian, and was updated by Professor Douglas D. Scherer, of Touro College, Jacob D. Fuchsberg Law Center. Professor Scherer also serves as the Vice President of Workplace Fairness.