Labor Law Center Blog » Blog Archive » Vermont (VT) Labor and Employment Laws

Vermont (VT) Labor and Employment Laws

September 22nd, 2006 Posted by Marilyn

Vermont (VT) labor and employment laws address several workplace issues and affect all aspects of employment. They give employers and employees rights and responsibilities to uphold in the workforce. While there are several laws, which benefit employees, many are surprised to learn that law does not necessarily deem practices they take for granted. If you get to know some of these laws it may help you to have a more positive work experience.

Vermont is considered an “at will” state. An employer may terminate an employee for any reason as long as it is not one of the protect classes e.g.: race, color, national origin, religion, sex, age or mental or physical disability. Vermont law also prohibits discrimination based on sexual orientation, HIV status, place of birth, and age over 18. Vermont (VT) labor and employment laws do not require paid or unpaid holidays paid or unpaid sick leave paid or unpaid vacation time or severance pay. The law does state that an employer must provide its employees with reasonable opportunity to eat and use toilet facilities in order to protect the health and hygiene of the employee. This is the first time I have seen breaks addressed that way. Most states have no laws regulating breaks and the few that do specify the length of time. Another interesting thing about wage and hour laws in Vermont is the minimum wage. At $7.25 it is well above the federal minimum and every January the rate will increase by 5%.

Wage and hour laws are just a fraction of what is covered under Vermont (VT) labor and employment laws. Child labor, discrimination, employer’s rights, workplace safety, unemployment, disability, family medical leave and Workers Compensation are all covered under these laws. Failure to comply with these laws or retaliating against anyone for reporting non-compliance or asserting their rights is punishable by law.