Louisiana Employment Contract Template

• At-will employment: Louisiana follows the at-will standard, meaning either party may end employment at any time unless restricted by a contract, statute, or exception (such as discrimination or retaliation).
• Minimum wage: Louisiana does not set its own rate and follows the federal minimum wage of $7.25/hour. Tipped workers must earn at least $7.25/hour with tips included.
• Overtime: Covered employees must be paid 1.5× their regular rate for hours over 40 per week under federal law.
• Meal/rest breaks: Louisiana law does not require meal or rest breaks. Federal law applies: short breaks under 20 minutes must be paid, while 30+ minute meal periods can be unpaid if the employee is fully relieved of duties. Workers under 16 are required to receive a 30-minute break any time they work at least 5 consecutive hours.
• Paid leave: No statewide requirement for private employers to provide paid vacation or sick leave. Leave policies depend on employer policy and any federal mandates (e.g., FMLA).
• Pay frequency: Employees must be paid at least twice per month, and regular paydays must be posted and consistent (Louisiana Laws Revised Statutes § 23:633). If an employer does not designate a specific payday, employees must be paid on the 1st and 16th of each month.
• Final pay: Upon termination, wages are due on or before the next regular payday, or within 15 days—whichever comes first (LA Rev Stat § 23:631).
• Child labor: Minors under 18 face limits on hours and prohibited jobs. Youths aged 14–15 may work limited hours (e.g., max 3 hours on a school day, 18 hours during a school week). Work permits are required for minors under 18.
• Non-competes: Enforceable only in specific parishes or municipalities where the employer does business, and typically limited to 2 years (LA Rev Stat § 23:921). Courts scrutinize overly broad restrictions.
• E-signatures: Louisiana recognizes electronic signatures under its Uniform Electronic Transactions Act (UETA) (LA Rev Stat § 9:2601).
• Recordkeeping: Employers must maintain wage and hour records, consistent with federal FLSA requirements (LA Rev Stat § 23:14).

When drafting a Louisiana employment contract, include these essentials:

1. Basic details: Employer and employee names, job title, work location, and start date.
2. Wages and pay schedule: Clearly state pay rate and frequency (at least semi-monthly), including any tip credits.
3. Work hours and duties: Define expected schedule, responsibilities, and overtime eligibility.
4. Breaks and leave: Note federal rules for breaks and outline any vacation or sick leave policies your company offers.
5. Benefits: Include details about health insurance, retirement plans, or other perks.
6. Confidentiality/IP: Add clauses protecting sensitive information and ownership of work created.
7. Non-compete (if used): Limit it to 2 years and specify parishes where it applies.
8. Termination: State that employment is at-will unless otherwise agreed, and explain final pay rules.
9. Signatures: Ensure both parties sign, either electronically or in writing, for enforceability.