Employment law encompasses every aspect of the employee-employer relationship. This includes disability accommodations, workplace safety, benefits, discrimination, wages and overtime, unemployment compensation, and much more. There are many laws that cover employment and it’s important to understand them, and your rights as an employee. Let’s discuss employment law in Northern Virginia.
What is Employment Law?
This is the section of law that governs the relationship between an employer and their employees. This includes the rights and responsibilities of both parties. Employment law helps ensure workplace safety, determines the wages an employee can receive, and governs the hours an employee can work. It also ensures that employees are treated equally and protected.
Employment law is extensive, so it is often divided into categories such as wages, benefits, family and medical leave, unemployment, workplace safety, and workplace conduct.
Why it Matters
Why does employment law matter? Well, it is designed to ensure that all parties in a business are treated fairly and in accordance with agreed principles. If both parties understand their rights and obligations, they are more prepared in certain situations and the business can run more efficiently.
Employment Discrimination 
Discrimination in the workplace happens when a member of a protected class experiences different treatment than their peers. Discrimination takes many forms and all of them prohibited by law. Examples include:
- Race discrimination
- Gender discrimination
- Age discrimination
- Pregnancy discrimination
- Disability discrimination
Wages and Benefits
In addition to paying employees hourly wages or annual salaries, many employers offer benefits like dental insurance and health insurance, paid time off, and retirement plans. Employment law covers most aspects of employee compensation and benefits. This includes things like overtime compensation, wage garnishment, tuition reimbursement, and more.
Health and Safety
Employees have the right to work in a safe place free of hazards. Employment law holds the employers responsible for medical costs if an employee is injured on the job. Instances can include environmental hazards, occupational diseases, and violations to the Occupational Safety and Health Act.
Other Important Aspects
Employment law in Northern Virginia also focuses on labor relations, unemployment compensation, family and medical leave, employee contracts, immigration, and even the hiring process. Some industries will have additional considerations as well.
Some other important aspects of employment law include:
- At-will employment issues
- Wrongful termination
- Whistleblower situations
- Unemployment
- Noncompete agreements
More About Employment Law in Northern Virginia
If you would like to learn more about employment law in Northern Virginia, please contact Cook, Craig, and Francuzenko today.
