Whether employers can require their workers to adhere to a specific dress code is a matter of considerable debate. While it may seem like a straightforward issue, it involves a complex balance between an employer's interests and an employee's rights. Accordingly, the...
Out Of The Legal Process, And Arming You With The Facts
Employment Law For Employees
Can financial woes jeopardize your federal security clearance?
When you hold a federal security clearance, intense scrutiny evaluates your trustworthiness, reliability and loyalty to the United States. One critical area investigators examine is your financial history and stability. Financial troubles can affect anyone, often due...
Who qualifies for overtime pay?
When it comes to earning a fair wage for the work you put in, it is important to understand the intricacies of overtime pay. Overtime pay is additional compensation given to eligible employees who work more than a certain number of hours in a week. You must know who...
Do remote Virginia workers qualify for FMLA?
The Family and Medical Leave Act is a federal law that provides as many as 12 weeks of unpaid leave for eligible employees. This leave is job-protected, you can only take it once every 12 months and there are specific medical conditions or family issues that meet the...
What rights do nursing mothers have in the workplace?
If you are a nursing mother in the workforce, you should know that your employer must extend you certain rights. For instance, certain federal laws protect nursing mothers when it comes to break time for the purposes of expressing milk. Being aware of these laws and...
Can your employer force you to do a lie detector test?
When companies want to see who they can trust, they will turn to numerous different methods. One such potential method? The use of lie detector tests. Even if it is not entirely common, it still occurs. Why are lie detector tests used? Traditionally, many companies...
When may the law allow employers to terminate at-will employees?
Both the Code of Virginia and federal employment laws generally permit reasonable layoffs or terminating an “at-will” employee at an employer’s discretion. By establishing an “at-will” employment relationship, you may terminate a worker for any lawful reason, as...
The basics of Virginia employment law
Virginia is an at-will employment state. This means that your employer can terminate you for any or no reason. Fortunately, the Fair Labor Standards Act can protect you. Knowing your basic rights can help to protect you from unfair treatment. The right to be free from...
Can my potential employer make me take a lie detector test?
Employers often look for employees who are trustworthy and honest. Many companies have strict pre-employment screenings to help them weed out anyone who may not fit their idea of a reliable person. While many companies decide to use background checks, some may wish to...
5 reasons an employee could face security clearance suspension
Having access to sensitive information is a privilege that comes with immense responsibility for federal employees. The suspension of a security clearance can be detrimental to an employee's career, causing disruption and potential job loss. A security clearance...