If you are an employee or an employer in Virginia, you may have heard of the term “right to work” and wondered what it means and how it affects your rights and obligations in the workplace. Please continue reading and reach out to a seasoned Midlothian employment attorney from Passero Employment Law to learn more about what right-to-work laws are, what they are not, and what they mean for workers and employers in Virginia. Here are some of the questions you may have:
What is a right-to-work law?
Right-to-work laws are in place to prohibit employers from requiring their employees to join unions and pay dues to those unions as a condition of their employment. Importantly, however, right-to-work also means that without a union relationship, an employer is free to terminate you at any time, for any reason, or for no reason.
Is Virginia a right-to-work state?
Yes, Virginia is a right-to-work state. The Commonwealth specifically states that a person’s right to work persons to work will not be influenced by whether or not they choose to be a member of a union or any other labor organization. In general, this law applies to all employers and employees, with some exceptions. Those exceptions are:
- Federal employees
- Airline employees that are covered by federal laws
- Railroad employees
- Some others as well
What are my rights as an employee in a right-to-work state?
As an employee here in the state of Virginia, you have several rights. To start, you can choose whether you want to join a union and pay union dues. You can also refuse to participate in union activities if you so wish. Additionally, if you believe your employer has violated your right to work in some way, you can file a complaint with the Virginia Department of Labor and Industry. Employers are prohibited from forcing employees to join unions, and if you believe your employer is pressuring you to join a union or has retaliated against you for not joining a union, such as by terminating your position, you may have a valid claim against your employer. Our firm can help you explore your options.
Passero Employment Law has extensive experience protecting employees’ rights here in the state of Virginia, and we are prepared to put that experience to work for you in your case. If you have any further questions or believe you have a valid claim, simply contact us today so we can get started fighting for the justice you deserve.
