What is the Law Regarding Employment in Washington County?

Employees, employers and independent contractors in Washington County are controlled by employment law. This area of law governs such employment issues as hiring procedures, wage amounts, and termination. Employers and their employees alike should be aware of Washington County employment laws.

"At-Will" vs. Contract Employment Terms

Occasionally an employment contract is used that sets a particular length of employment, but most of the times employment is considered to be on an "at-will" basis. "At-will" employers or employees can end the employment at any given time, if the reasons are not illegal. When the parties use an employment contract, the terms of employment will be controlled by their state and federal laws, as applied to people living in Washington County.

Anti-Discrimination laws in Washington County

Laws that make discrimination illegal at all stages of employment including hiring, wages, and termination policies, all apply to Washington County citizens. People living in Washington County must abide by laws stating it is illegal for employers to discriminate against people who belong to certain classes. These classes may be based on race, national origin, gender, religion, disability, and age.

A claim regarding discrimination can be heard at an administrative agency like EEOC. Many lawyers specialize in the field of employment discrimination.