Virginia Employment Law: Your Complete Guide to Worker Rights (2026)

Virginia has significantly strengthened worker protections in recent years with the Virginia Human Rights Act (VHRA) and Virginia Values Act (2020). Virginia now provides comprehensive discrimination protections, a higher minimum wage, and strong workplace rights.

This guide covers all major areas of Virginia employment law.

Virginia Employment Law Overview

Key Facts:

• At-will employment state: With important exceptions
• Right-to-work state: Cannot be required to join union
• Minimum wage: $12.41/hour (2026) - higher than federal
• State discrimination law: VHRA covers employers with 5+ employees
• LGBTQ protections: Explicitly protected under Virginia Values Act

Major Areas of Virginia Employment Law

Wrongful Termination in Virginia

Virginia follows at-will employment, but multiple exceptions protect workers.

Protected from termination for:

• Discrimination (VHRA)
• Whistleblowing
• Refusing to violate law
• Workers' compensation retaliation
• Military service
• Jury duty

Learn more:

• At-will exceptions in Virginia
• Public policy exception
• Proving wrongful termination

Workplace Discrimination in Virginia

The Virginia Human Rights Act provides broad protections.

Protected characteristics:

• Race, color, national origin
• Sex (including pregnancy)
• Religion
• Age (40+)
• Disability
• Sexual orientation
• Gender identity
• Veteran status
• Marital status

Key details:

• VHRA covers 5+ employees (broader than federal)
• File with EEOC or Virginia DOLI
• 300-day deadline

Wages and Hours in Virginia

Virginia provides wage protections above federal minimums.

Key provisions:

• Minimum wage: $12.41/hour (2026)
• Overtime: 1.5x after 40 hours
• Final paycheck timing rules
• Wage payment protections

Leave Laws in Virginia

Virginia follows federal FMLA and has some additional protections.

Leave types:

• Federal FMLA (50+ employees)
• Domestic violence leave
• Organ/bone marrow donor leave
• Military leave

Employment Contracts in Virginia

Virginia enforces reasonable restrictive covenants.

Common agreements:

• Non-compete agreements (restrictions apply)
• Non-disclosure agreements
• Severance agreements
• Arbitration clauses

Virginia-Specific Protections

Virginia Human Rights Act (VHRA)

Provides:

• Comprehensive discrimination protection
• Covers employers with 5+ employees
• Private right of action
• Uncapped damages

Virginia Values Act (2020)

Added:

• Sexual orientation protection
• Gender identity protection
• Expanded coverage
• Stronger enforcement

Minimum Wage Increases

Schedule:

• 2026: $12.41/hour
• Indexed to inflation
• Higher than federal $7.25

Filing Complaints in Virginia

Virginia DOLI - Office of Civil Rights

Department of Labor and Industry:

• Phone: 804-225-2292
• Richmond office
• Handles VHRA claims

EEOC

Federal claims:

• Phone: 1-800-669-4000
• Richmond: 804-771-2200
• Norfolk: 757-441-3470
• Federal discrimination

Virginia Dept of Labor

Wage claims:

• Phone: 804-371-3104
• Unpaid wages
• Minimum wage violations

Virginia Employment Law Quick Reference

Key Virginia Employment Statutes

Virginia Code:

• Va. Code § 2.2-3900 et seq. - Virginia Human Rights Act
• Va. Code § 40.1-28.9 et seq. - Minimum Wage Act
• Va. Code § 40.1-29 - Wage Payment Act
• Va. Code § 40.1-27.3 - Non-compete restrictions

Related Topics

• Virginia Wrongful Termination
• Virginia Workplace Discrimination
• Virginia Wages and Hours
• Virginia Leave Laws
• Virginia Employment Contracts

Legal Disclaimer

This guide provides general information about Virginia employment law and is not legal advice. For specific advice, consult a licensed Virginia employment attorney.

For official information:

• Virginia DOLI: https://www.doli.virginia.gov | 804-225-2292
• EEOC Richmond: 804-771-2200