Virginia Labor and Employment Law Key Terms

Comply with state law when you know Virginia labor and employment law key terms

By Michele Vrouvas

Like other states, Virginia passes labor and employment laws regulating companies that do business within its borders. Virginia companies should have a working knowledge of these regulations since the penalties for non-compliance can be stiff. Don't just leave the matter up to your HR department. If you're a CEO of a Virginia company, become familiar with the key terms and concepts of Virginia labor and employment law so you can stay informed of key legal developments.

At will employment

When companies follow the "at will employment" doctrine, they are letting employees know they may be fired for any reason as long as that reason is not prohibited by law.
Try: Lawyers explains how Virginia businesses and courts apply the "at will" doctrine to employment practices. You'll also learn how employment contracts can overcome the at will presumption doctrine.

Workers compensation insurance

Virginia businesses are required by law to maintain workers compensation insurance that covers employees who are injured on the job.
Try: Check out the specific requirements for workers compensation insurance at the Virginia Workers' Compensation Commission website. Find out the suggested methods for providing liability and whether your company must comply with these regulations.

Affirmative action programs

When states enforce affirmative action programs, they are telling certain businesses that they must strive to attract workers from certain minority groups.
Try: Go to the Virginia Labor Law Library to access a discussion of Virginia's affirmative action laws that have been in effect since 2000. Find out whether your business can be considered a contractor that must comply with the revised regulations.

VOSH complaint

VOSH stands for "Virginia Occupational Safety and Health". When an employee files a VOSH complaint, he is alerting the state to violations of OSHA standards at his workplace.
Try: The Virginia Department of Labor and Industry explains the process of filing a VOSH complaint. It further explains how employees should report occupational hazards at particular work sites.

Wrongful termination

Wrongful termination refers to instances where an employee is fired for the reasons the law does not recognize.
Try: Employment attorneys Bell & Bands explain Virginia's labor and employment law as it relates to wrongful termination. You'll discover what records employers will need to produce when a wrongful termination suit has been brought against them. You'll also find out whether or not an employee may have good legal standing to allege wrongful termination.

Family Medical Leave Act

The Family Medical Leave Act requires certain businesses to allow employees extended time off to care for family-related issues.
Try: Virginia employment attorneys Albo & Oblon explain the implications of the Family Medical Leave Act for Virginia companies, such as what constitutes a real medical emergency and the evidence employees must present when requesting family leave.