House Bill 958 - Workers Rights Act Summary

• Abolishes at-will employment in North Carolina, requiring employers to have "just cause" before terminating employees
• Mandates paid work breaks (15 minutes) and paid meal periods (60 minutes) for employees working more than 6 continuous hours daily
• Eliminates tip credits effective January 1, 2025, requiring employers to pay minimum wage separately from tips; limits tip pooling to 15% reductions
• Prohibits employers from requiring employees to keep wage information confidential and bans retaliation for discussing or disclosing wages
• Creates an Ombud's Office for state employees, protects contract employees from mistreatment and retaliation, and authorizes local governments to establish minimum wage ordinances and worker safety programs