Federal & State Regulations | Employment contracts - Georgia

State Info

Summary of differences between federal and state regulations

Federal law generally does not regulate employment contracts between employers and employees with one exception: contracts that require the joining or refraining from joining of a labor union as a condition of employment. On the federal level, these contracts are governed by the National Labor Relations Act. States may have a corresponding provision and may also have additional provisions regarding employment contracts.

Georgia has a similar provision to federal law regarding union membership. It also has additional provisions.

Union membership

Georgia law provides that it is illegal for an employer to contract with a labor organization to require employees to be members of a union as a condition of employment or to require the employee to pay a fee to the labor union. §34-6-23

Liability

An employer can not have a contract with an employee that exempts the employer from liability in the case of negligence of the employer or its employees. §34-7-22

Wages

If a contract provides that wages are payable at a stipulated period, it is presumed the term of employment is for that period. Where the contract stipulates hiring is for a longer period, and wages are paid in a shorter period, that is not controlling as to the length of the contract. A hiring for an indefinite period of time is considered at-will and may be terminated at any time by either party. §34-7-1