Is MS an At-Will Employment State? And Other Mississippi Employment Laws

Is MS an at-will employment state?
The states that do not are: Arizona, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Indiana, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Missouri, Montana, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Texas, and Virginia. Those states are: Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, California, Delaware, Idaho, Massachusetts, Montana, Nevada, Utah, and Wyoming.

Mississippi is a state that allows for at-will employment, therefore employers may fire staff members for any cause other than discrimination or retaliation. This means that companies are free to fire workers for any reason, including poor performance, breaking business rules, or any other reason they deem appropriate. Employees may also leave their positions at any time and without cause.

There are a few exceptions to this rule, though. Employers are not permitted to fire workers for racial, gender, religious, age, or handicap discrimination. Additionally, businesses are prohibited from taking adverse action against workers who disclose illegal activity or file a complaint against the company.

In Mississippi, managers are not permitted to accept a portion of tips. If a management does keep a portion of the tips, it is prohibited and regarded as wage theft. Employers are not permitted to take any percentage of an employee’s tips; they must be given to them in whole.

There is no state law in Mississippi requiring companies to offer paid holidays. However, some firms decide to give their staff members paid holidays as a perk. If a business does provide paid holidays, they are required to compensate their staff for any time off taken over the holiday.

The employee has the right to sue the company for the amount owed if the employer underpays them. The Mississippi Department of Employment Security will look into the complaint if it is made by a party. Employers who violate wage rules risk fines and other consequences. Wage theft is unlawful.

Employees should get in touch with their employer right away if they don’t receive their paycheck on payday. The employee may submit a complaint with the Mississippi Department of Employment Security if the employer fails to deliver the paycheck. Employers must pay their workers on time; doing otherwise constitutes a breach of the law governing wages.

In conclusion, Mississippi is a state that allows for at-will employment, however there are several exclusions. Employers are required to pay their employees appropriately and on time, and managers are not allowed to keep a share of tips. State law does not mandate paid holidays, however some firms opt to provide this benefit. An employee should speak with an employment law professional or the Mississippi Department of Employment Security if they have questions regarding their legal rights at work.

FAQ
Do you still get direct deposit if you quit?

Your employer’s policies will determine whether you continue to receive direct deposit after exiting your job. Others may ask you to pick up your final paycheck in person or have it shipped to you, while some businesses may continue to deposit your paycheck immediately into your bank account. You should research your employee handbook or speak with your employer’s human resources department to find out more about their direct deposit and final paycheck regulations.