Virginia labor laws are the basis for many privileges and benefits for Virginia employees. Therefore, it’s only right for workers to familiarize themselves with the laws that protect their rights. These guidelines include several sides of employment such as wages, overtime, termination, and more. Businesspeople as well are subject to these laws, especially those with at least six employees.
States create employment laws to protect workers against unfair treatment and unsafe working conditions. For entrepreneurs, it’s important to know the Virginia labor laws to protect your business from any legal battles later. It also sets the company to success. VA employment laws ensure the balance of the employer-employee relationship.
VA Leave Requirements
There are several kinds of leave that employers can take. The laws require employers to give their workers leave, these are called required leaves. Example of required leaves are as follow:
- Virginia family and medical leave
- Judy duty leave
- Witness leave
- Military leave
- Crime victim leave
Some leaves are non-required. Thus, the employers have the freedom to either give them or not. Examples are:
- Sick days
- Bereavement leave
- Vacation time
- Holiday leave
- Voting time
VA Jury Duty Leave
Employers do not lawfully have to pay workers called for a jury summons. However, they cannot penalize their workers for accepting the jury call. Furthermore, a person who does not respond to a jury summons may face legal action. VA employment laws emphasize that sick leave and vacation leave will not be used for jury duty leave.
VA Military Leave
Military leave is for members of the Civil Air Patrol. Employers cannot take their benefits, gained leave, efficiency rating, and other privileges away. They also had up to 10 days (about 1 and a half weeks) of leave per year for their training and their 30 days (about 4 and a half weeks) per year for emergency response. When their leave is over, employees can return to their jobs. However, Virginia labor laws state that reemployment is only applicable for military leave that’s not longer than five years.
VA Crime Victim Leave
Virginia labor laws say that employers must offer either paid or unpaid crime victim leave when attending court proceedings related to the crime, they were victims of. The employer may give a copy of the scheduled proceedings notice too.
VA Termination Laws
Virginia also implements the employment-at-will policy. Thus, employers can fire workers anytime for any valid reason. Similarly, employees are free to leave their jobs for any reason without legal consequences. Additionally, termination laws explain that an employee cannot be terminated due to discrimination or retaliation.
When is it unlawful termination?
Virginia’s termination laws protect employers from wrongful termination. Termination of employment must be within the tenets of Virginia labor laws and other federal regulations. Federal law states that there should be no discrimination against the protected class. This includes race, color, religion, childbirth, gender/sexual orientation, age, and others.
Employees file a wrongful termination if they believe to have been terminated due to their class.
Virginia Labor Laws ensure that workers are not taken advantage of and that businesses follow the standard. However, this article is but a guide for you. Don’t take this as legal advice in any way or form. If you have questions, seek out the help of a legal representative.