Understanding Employment Law Northern Virginia

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.