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Virginia (VA) Labor and Employment Laws

September 22nd, 2006 Posted by Marilyn

Labor and employment laws cover a wide range of workplace issues. There are both federal and state regulations that employers must follow in their employment practices. These laws are there to protect workers from substandard pay and working conditions. These laws also give employers guidelines to follow as to what is acceptable business practice. The laws most people are usually concerned about are wage and hour laws.

In Virginia (VA), labor and employment laws have the same guidelines as the federal laws, but different requirements. Virginia is an Employment-at-Will State that basically means the employer may terminate any employee at any time, for any reason, or for no reason. As a general rule, therefore, the employee has no right to challenge the termination. There are a few limited exceptions to this rule. You cannot be terminated for reporting any violations or asserting your rights under federal OSHA, discrimination or Virginia (VA), labor and employment laws anti-discrimination protected classes.

Virginia (VA) labor and employment laws place heavy emphasis on having a safe working environment. Every employer shall do their best to ensure that their place of employment is free from hazards and that there are safety devices and regulations in place that employees are made aware of. Most employers are required to carry Workers Compensation Insurance so that if an employee is injured or becomes sick on the job the employers’ carrier will cover the costs.

Virginia (VA) labor and employment laws also have guidelines pertaining to the employment of minors. 14 is generally the minimum age for employment. A work permit is required for 14 and 15 year olds and are limited in the occupations they may work and the hours they are permitted to work. It is also necessary to give those under 16 mandatory breaks. The only limitations on 16 and 17 year olds is that they cannot be employed in dangerous jobs.