(a) For purposes of this article, the following words have the following meanings:

(1) DISCRIMINATION. An action by an employer or a distinction by an employer that adversely affects an employee or job applicant based on a group, class, or category to which that person belongs.

(2) EMPLOYEE. An individual employed in this state by an employer or a natural person who performs services for an employer for valuable consideration and does not include a self-employed independent contractor.

(3) EMPLOYER. A person engaging in any activity, enterprise, or business in this state employing one or more employees, or a person, association, or legal or commercial entity receiving services from an employee or independent contractor and, in return, giving compensation of any kind to such employee or independent contractor.

(4) FEDERAL LABOR LAWS. The National Labor Relations Act, compiled in 29 U.S.C., Section 151 et seq., and the Labor Management Relations Act, compiled in 29 U.S.C., Section 141 et seq., as amended, presidential executive orders, and federal administrative regulations relating to labor and management or employee and employer issues, and the United States Constitution, as amended.

(5) INDEPENDENT CONTRACTOR. A self-employed individual who does not meet the definition of employee, as provided in this article, but otherwise does meet the definition of independent contractor as defined by the Internal Revenue Service.

(6) LABOR PEACE AGREEMENT. An arrangement between a union and employer under which one or both entities agree to waive certain rights under federal law with regard to union organizing and related activity.

(7) MULTI-EMPLOYER ASSOCIATION. A bargaining unit composed of independent employers who associate together to negotiate jointly with one or more labor organizations representing the employees of the independent employers within the bargaining unit.

(8) PROJECT LABOR AGREEMENT. A collective bargaining agreement with one or more labor unions that establishes the terms and conditions of employment for a specific construction project before employees are hired to work on such project.

(9) STATE. The State of Alabama and its agencies, departments, commissions, bureaus, and offices including, but not limited to, the Legislature.

(b) A county, municipality, or any other political subdivision of this state shall not enact or administer any ordinance, policy, rule, or other mandate requiring an employer to provide any employee, class of employees, or independent contractor with any employment benefit, including, but not limited to, paid or unpaid leave, vacation, wage, or work schedule, that is not required by state or federal law, and shall not require an employer to compensate an employee, class of employees, or independent contractor for any vacation or other form of leave for which state or federal law does not require the employee, class of employees, or independent contractor to be compensated.

(c) Any ordinance, policy, rule, or other mandate of a county, municipality, or any other political subdivision of this state that is inconsistent with this section is void.