What rights do employees have under employment law?
Employees in Virginia have certain rights under employment law. These rights are outlined in the Virginia Human Rights Act, which is enforced by the Virginia Department of Labor and Industry. Under the Virginia Human Rights Act, employers cannot discriminate against employees on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions, age, marital status, or disability. This means that employers cannot make decisions about hiring, firing, promotion, or wages based on these protected characteristics. In addition, employers in Virginia must provide employees with reasonable unpaid leave for medical and family reasons. This includes up to 12 weeks of unpaid leave for the birth or adoption of a child, and up to 12 weeks of unpaid leave for a serious health condition. Employees in Virginia also have the right to the payment of overtime wages. Under the Virginia Minimum Wage Act, employers must pay employees time-and-a-half their regular rate of pay for any hours worked over 40 per week. Finally, employees in Virginia have the right to a safe and healthy work environment. Under the Virginia Safety and Health Codes, employers are required to provide a workplace that is free from health and safety hazards. They must also take reasonable steps to protect their employees from harm. Overall, employment law in Virginia provides employees with a variety of rights and protections that are designed to ensure a safe and equitable workplace.
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