Employee Discipline: Kentucky

Federal law and guidance on this subject should be reviewed together with this section.

Author: Wendy C. Hyland, Fisher Phillips

Summary

• Kentucky follows the employment at will rule. See Communicating Expectations for Workplace Conduct.
• Kentucky has strict harassment and discrimination laws. See Treatment of Employees in Protected Classes.
• Kentucky law protects workers from retaliation, and provides protection to whistleblowers of public employers, with varying requirements. See Treatment of Employees Who Have Engaged in Protected Activities.
• Kentucky law prohibits an employer from influencing the political activities of employees. See Political Activities.
• Kentucky employers should exercise caution when disciplining employees who are absent due to legally protected activities. See Attendance.
• Kentucky employers should use caution when using "self-help" measures when addressing instances of workplace theft. See Workplace Theft.
• Kentucky law provides some protections for employees with prior criminal convictions. See Use of Criminal Records.
• Kentucky employers should use caution when enforcing work rules regarding firearms in the workplace. See Enforcement of Firearms Work Rules.
• Kentucky employers should exercise caution when disciplining employees with current or past controlled substances abuse or alcohol abuse problems. See Disciplining Employees With Drug and Alcohol Addictions.
• Localities including Lexington-Fayette County and Louisville-Jefferson County have requirements pertaining to employee discipline. See Local Requirements.