Virginia Employment Laws
State labor and employment laws are intended to protect workers from unfair treatment or unsafe working conditions, balanced against the need of states to attract employers.
By Amber Sheppard, Esq. | Legally reviewed by Amber Sheppard, Esq. | Last reviewed March 14, 2025
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State labor and employment laws protect workers from unfair treatment or unsafe working conditions. The employee's rights are balanced against the need of the Commonwealth of Virginia to attract employers.
The federal government provides a foundation of employee protection through federal laws like the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) and the Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA).
Virginia is an employment-at-will state and has its own laws that strengthen federal protections or address other, state-specific needs. For instance, Virginia employers are required to pay $12.00 an hour for minimum wage. Virginia employment laws cover everything from meal breaks to workers' compensation and overtime.
Click on the link below to access detailed information and resources that empower you to understand and assert your rights under Virginia state law.
Learn About Virginia Employment Laws
Virginia Civil Statute of Limitations Laws
This article explains the time frame you have to bring a lawsuit against an employer or other person in Virginia.
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Learn about legal holidays in the state of Virginia. Review your eligibility for a paid day off or special holiday pay. This article also discusses sick leave, paid and unpaid time off, jury duty leave, vacation leave, and military leave.
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The basics of right-to-work laws in Virginia limit the ability of employers to give preference to union or non-union workers when hiring. Being in a union or not in a union cannot be a condition of employment. Virginia Occupational Safety and Health, Virginia labor laws, and the Virginia Human Rights Act provide additional protections in the work environment.
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Overview of Virginia wage and hour laws and how it interacts with the federal minimum wage. This article includes Virginia minimum wage and how it interacts with the federal Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) and the Department of Labor. You will learn how to calculate overtime pay, meal and rest break requirements, and related matters.
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Virginia overtime law requires workers get 1.5 times their regular rate when working over 40 hours in a workweek. This article explains how to calculate your overtime and exceptions. You can use the Virginia Employment Commission to find another position.
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Virginia's laws protect the civil rights of its residents. This extends to labor laws as it pertains to discrimination. Discrimination is prohibited based on national origin, race, sexual orientation, religion, and more. This article gives access to the code sections and information about court procedures. Find links to related information and resources here, like the Virginia Equal Employment Opportunity Commission.
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Learn how whistleblower laws in Virginia protect workers who claim unsafe or illegal conditions. This includes illegal minor labor or harassment at the workplace and retaliation. This article discusses types of retaliation, such as being fired, demoted, or passed for promotion. You can find a whistleblower lawyer here.
Talk to a Virginia Employment Lawyer
If you think your Virginia employer is not abiding by state law, talk to a Virginia employment lawyer. They can review policies and procedures and employee contracts. Some agreements list exemptions to the standard labor laws, so make sure you thoroughly read them before signing.
Violations of workplace safety could be addressed with a lawyer, too. Employers can ask prospective employees for their employee social security number. This is used for a background check, especially if the job involves interacting with minors. During a consultation, you can address unpaid wages, failure to receive unemployment benefits, and reductions in your rate of pay.