{"id":6776,"date":"2012-04-01T22:21:00","date_gmt":"2012-04-02T03:21:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.brightmine.com\/us\/?post_type=resources&#038;p=6776"},"modified":"2026-07-27T04:06:22","modified_gmt":"2026-07-27T09:06:22","slug":"west-virginia-employment-law","status":"publish","type":"resources","link":"https:\/\/www.brightmine.com\/us\/resources\/hr-compliance\/west-virginia-employment-law\/","title":{"rendered":"West Virginia employment law overview"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<div class=\"wp-block-group alignwide has-primary-white-background-color has-background has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-efae2095 wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"border-radius:25px;margin-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--30);margin-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--30);padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--30);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--30);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--30);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--30)\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-7fc3d43a wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:70%\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-vertical is-layout-flex wp-container-core-group-is-layout-8e1436f2 wp-block-group-is-layout-flex\" style=\"margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0\">\n<p class=\"\">by <strong><strong>The<\/strong> <strong>Brightmine Editorial Team<\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"\">West Virginia has laws that provide greater protections to employees than federal law, including pregnancy accommodation rights, a higher minimum wage and health care continuation coverage obligations for smaller employers, but generally follows federal law with respect to topics such as computing overtime pay and occupational safety.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"\">Select West Virginia employment requirements are summarized below to help an employer understand the range of employment laws affecting the employer-employee relationship in the state. An employer must comply with federal, state, and local law. Where there is overlap, complying with the law that offers the greatest rights or benefits to the employee will generally apply.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"equal-employment-opportunity\">Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) and worker protections&nbsp;<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"\">West Virginia employers may be required to comply with requirements related to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.brightmine.com\/us\/resources\/hr-compliance\/discrimination\/eeo-protected-classes-by-state\/\">EEO<\/a> and worker protections. &nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"fair-employment-practices\" style=\"font-style:normal;font-weight:500\">Fair employment practices<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"\">The West Virginia Human Rights Act (WVHRA) prohibits discrimination against applicants and employees based on protected characteristics, such as:&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list is-style-brightmine-list-item-spacing-small\">\n<li class=\"\">Race;&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"\">Religion;&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"\">Color;&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"\">National origin;&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"\">Ancestry;&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"\">Sex;&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"\">Disability;&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"\">Blindness;&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"\">Pregnancy; and&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"\">Age (40 and above).&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"\">The WVHRA also prohibits sexual harassment and prohibits retaliation or any form of reprisal against a person because he or she has opposed a practice or act forbidden under the WVHRA or because he or she has filed a complaint, testified or assisted in any proceeding under the WVHRA.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"\">The WVHRA applies to employers with 12 or more employees within the state.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"equal-pay\" style=\"font-style:normal;font-weight:500\">Equal pay<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"\">West Virginia&#8217;s Equal Pay for Equal Work Act requires employers to pay the same wage rate to both male and female employees for work of comparable character that requires comparable skills.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"\">The equal pay requirement does not apply if payment of wages is made under a system based on seniority, merit or quantity or quality of production, or if a differential is based on good-faith factors other than sex.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"pay-transparency\" style=\"font-style:normal;font-weight:500\">Pay transparency<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"\">West Virginia does not have a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.brightmine.com\/us\/resources\/hr-compliance\/pay-transparency\/u-s-pay-transparency-laws-by-state-and-locality\/\">pay transparency law<\/a> applicable to private employers.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"salary-history-inquiry-restrictions\" style=\"font-style:normal;font-weight:500\">Salary history inquiry restrictions<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"\">West Virginia does not restrict an employer from inquiring into or relying upon an applicant&#8217;s salary history.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"employee-wage-disclosure-rights\" style=\"font-style:normal;font-weight:500\">Employee wage disclosure rights<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"\">West Virginia does not have a wage disclosure law applicable to private employers.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"pregnancy-accommodation\" style=\"font-style:normal;font-weight:500\">Pregnancy accommodation<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"\">West Virginia&#8217;s Pregnant Workers&#8217; Fairness Act (PWFA) prohibits discrimination based on pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions. The PWFA also requires employers to provide pregnant workers with reasonable accommodations, which may include modifying work schedules and allowing access to facilities that are more convenient and usable.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"\">The PWFA applies to employers with 12 or more employees.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"breastfeeding-breaks\" style=\"font-style:normal;font-weight:500\">Breastfeeding breaks<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"\">West Virginia does not have requirements for private employers related to breastfeeding breaks.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"access-to-personnel-files\" style=\"font-style:normal;font-weight:500\">Access to personnel files<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"\">West Virginia law does not require private employers to provide employees with access to their personnel files.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"whistleblower-protections\" style=\"font-style:normal;font-weight:500\">Whistleblower protections<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"\">West Virginia does not have a whistleblower law applicable to private employers.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"scheduling\" style=\"font-style:normal;font-weight:500\">Scheduling&nbsp;<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"\">West Virginia does not have a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.brightmine.com\/us\/resources\/hr-compliance\/state-compliance\/scheduling-laws-by-state-and-municipality\/\">scheduling law<\/a> applicable to private employers.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"recruiting-hiring\">Recruiting and hiring&nbsp;<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"\">West Virginia employers may be required to comply with requirements related to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.brightmine.com\/us\/resources\/talent-management\/talent-acquisition\/onboarding\/west-virginia-new-hire-documents-notices-guide\/\">recruiting and hiring<\/a>. &nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"credit-checks\" style=\"font-style:normal;font-weight:500\">Credit checks<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"\">West Virginia does not have requirements for private employers related to credit checks.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"ban-the-box-and-fair-chance\" style=\"font-style:normal;font-weight:500\">Ban the Box and Fair Chance&nbsp;<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"\">West Virginia does not have a state <a href=\"https:\/\/www.brightmine.com\/us\/resources\/talent-management\/talent-acquisition\/recruitment\/ban-the-box-laws-by-state\/\">ban-the-box<\/a> or fair chance law applicable to private employers.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"everify\" style=\"font-style:normal;font-weight:500\">E-Verify&nbsp;<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"\">All new employees who are employed to provide services on the grounds or in the building of the capitol complex must submit to an employment eligibility check through <a href=\"https:\/\/www.brightmine.com\/us\/resources\/hr-compliance\/immigration\/immigration-form-i9-work-visas-federal\/\">E-Verify<\/a>.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"wage-hour\">Wage and hour&nbsp;<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"\">West Virginia employers may be required to comply with certain wage and hour requirements. &nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"minimum-wage\" style=\"font-style:normal;font-weight:500\">Minimum wage<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"\">West Virginia&#8217;s Minimum Wage and Maximum Hours Standards Law requires that nonexempt employees be paid a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.brightmine.com\/us\/resources\/hr-compliance\/wage-hour\/minimum-wage\/minimum-wage-rates-by-state-and-municipality\/\">minimum wage<\/a> of $8.75 per hour. The law generally applies to an employer with six or more employees in any one separate, distinct and permanent location during any calendar week.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"\">The law allows employers to claim a credit toward their minimum wage obligations for tips, lodging or board.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"\">An employer may pay an employee under 20 years of age a training wage for up to 90 days.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"overtime\" style=\"font-style:normal;font-weight:500\">Overtime&nbsp;<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"\">West Virginia law requires that employers with six or more employees in one location pay nonexempt employees one-and-one-half times their regular pay rate for all <a href=\"https:\/\/www.brightmine.com\/us\/resources\/hr-compliance\/wage-hour\/overtime\/overtime-variations-by-state\/\">hours worked in excess of 40 hours per week<\/a>.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"meal-and-rest-breaks\" style=\"font-style:normal;font-weight:500\">Meal and rest breaks<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"\">Employees who are not &#8220;afforded necessary breaks and\/or permitted to eat lunch while working&#8221; must be provided <a href=\"https:\/\/www.brightmine.com\/us\/resources\/hr-compliance\/wage-hour\/meal-and-rest-break-requirements-by-state\/\">meal breaks<\/a> of at least 20 minutes when they work for six or more hours in a workday. A meal break of 20 minutes or less must be paid, while a meal break of 30 minutes or more may be unpaid.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"\">Minors who work for more than five continuous hours are also entitled to a meal break.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"child-labor\" style=\"font-style:normal;font-weight:500\">Child labor<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.brightmine.com\/us\/resources\/hr-compliance\/wage-hour\/child-labor-working-hour-restrictions-by-state\/\">Child labor laws<\/a> in West Virginia restrict the occupations in which minors may be employed and the number of hours and times during which they may work.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"\">All minors are prohibited from working in hazardous occupations, including, but not limited to, coal mining, excavation, logging, saw milling, smelting and work involving operation of power-driven heavy machinery. In addition, they may not work in a bar or sell, dispense or serve alcoholic beverages.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"\">Minors under the age of 14 may not be employed in any occupation except:&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list is-style-brightmine-list-item-spacing-small\">\n<li class=\"\">Agriculture and horticulture activities permitted under federal law;&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"\">Domestic services within the employer&#8217;s residence;&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"\">Work for parents or legal guardians in their solely owned business;&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"\">Acting or performing in motion pictures, theater, radio or television; and&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"\">Newspaper delivery.&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"\">Minors ages 14 and 15 may not work:&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list is-style-brightmine-list-item-spacing-small\">\n<li class=\"\">During school hours (except in federally approved work programs);&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"\">Before 7:00 a.m. or after 7:00 p.m. (after 9:00 p.m. from June 1 to Labor Day);&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"\">More than three hours per day on school days;&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"\">More than eight hours per day on nonschool days;&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"\">More than 18 hours per week during school weeks; and&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"\">More than 40 hours per week during nonschool weeks.&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"pay-benefits\">Pay and benefits&nbsp;<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"\">West Virginia employers may be required to follow certain requirements with respect to employee pay and benefits. &nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"payment-of-wages\" style=\"font-style:normal;font-weight:500\">Wage payment methods<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"\">An employer must pay employees in cash, or by check or money order that can be deposited or cashed at a bank convenient to the place of employment. An employer may pay by <a href=\"https:\/\/www.brightmine.com\/us\/resources\/hr-compliance\/state-compliance\/direct-deposit-laws-by-state\/\">direct deposi<\/a>t or electronic paycards if the employer and employee agree to it in writing.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"pay-frequency-and-lag-time\" style=\"font-style:normal;font-weight:500\">Pay frequency and lag time<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"\">Employers must <a href=\"https:\/\/www.brightmine.com\/us\/resources\/hr-compliance\/payroll\/pay-frequency-and-lag-time-requirements-by-state\/\">pay their employees all wages due at least twice a month<\/a> and no more than 19 days apart.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"pay-deductions\" style=\"font-style:normal;font-weight:500\">Pay deductions<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"\">Employers are permitted to make specified <a href=\"https:\/\/www.brightmine.com\/us\/resources\/hr-compliance\/payroll\/deductions\/pay-deduction-laws-by-state\/\">deductions from wages<\/a>, such as those required by law (e.g., income and employment taxes), union dues and medical insurance premiums. The employer and employee may agree to other types of deductions.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"pay-statements\" style=\"font-style:normal;font-weight:500\">Pay statements<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"\">An employer must give employees an <a href=\"https:\/\/www.brightmine.com\/us\/resources\/hr-compliance\/payroll\/pay-statement-rate-notification-requirements-by-state\/\">itemized statement of wage deductions<\/a> made, including the authority under which the employer made them for each pay period in which deductions are made.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"wage-theft\" style=\"font-style:normal;font-weight:500\">Wage theft<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"\">West Virginia does not have a wage theft law applicable to private employers.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"health-care-continuation\" style=\"font-style:normal;font-weight:500\">Health care continuation<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"\">West Virginia&#8217;s health care continuation coverage law requires employers with fewer than 20 employees to provide continued group health care coverage for up to 18 months to employees who are involuntarily laid off or terminated from work (except for misconduct that would disqualify the individual from collecting unemployment benefits).&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"temporary-disability-insurance\" style=\"font-style:normal;font-weight:500\">Temporary disability insurance<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"\">West Virginia does not have requirements for private employers related to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.brightmine.com\/us\/resources\/total-rewards\/employee-benefits\/temporary-disability-insurance-requirements-by-state\/\">temporary disability insurance<\/a>.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"time-off-leaves-absence\">Time off and leaves of absence&nbsp;<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"\">West Virginia employers may be required to follow certain requirements with respect to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.brightmine.com\/us\/resources\/hr-compliance\/employee-leaves\/leave-laws-by-state-chart\/#west-virginia-leave-laws\">time off and leaves of absence<\/a>. &nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"family-and-medical-leave\" style=\"font-style:normal;font-weight:500\">Family and medical leave<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"\">West Virginia does not have a state <a href=\"https:\/\/www.brightmine.com\/us\/resources\/hr-compliance\/employee-leaves\/paid-family-leave-requirements-by-state\/\">family and medical leave law<\/a> applicable to private employers.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"paid-sick-leave\" style=\"font-style:normal;font-weight:500\">Paid sick leave<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"\">West Virginia does not have a state <a href=\"https:\/\/www.brightmine.com\/us\/resources\/hr-compliance\/employee-leaves\/paid-sick-leave-by-state\/\">paid sick leave law<\/a> applicable to private employers.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"other-time-off-requirements\" style=\"font-style:normal;font-weight:500\">Other time off requirements<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"\">West Virginia has laws related to time off and leaves of absence, including but not limited to:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list is-style-brightmine-list-item-spacing-small\">\n<li class=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.brightmine.com\/us\/resources\/hr-compliance\/employee-leaves\/jury-duty-leave-laws-by-state-and-municipality\/\">Jury duty leave<\/a>;&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.brightmine.com\/us\/resources\/hr-compliance\/employee-leaves\/military-leave-reminders\/\">Military leave<\/a>;&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"\">Civil Air Patrol leave;&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"\">Emergency responder leave;&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"\">Public officials leave; and&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.brightmine.com\/us\/resources\/hr-compliance\/employee-leaves\/voting-leave-laws-by-state\/\">Voting leave<\/a>.&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"health-safety\">Health and safety&nbsp;<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"\">West Virginia employers may be required to follow certain requirements with respect to employee health and safety. &nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"occupational-safety-and-health\" style=\"font-style:normal;font-weight:500\">Occupational safety and health<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"\">Private sector employers in West Virginia fall under the jurisdiction of federal OSHA for compliance and enforcement and must follow the appropriate Code of Federal Regulations that applies to their industry and work practices.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"drug-and-alcohol-testing\" style=\"font-style:normal;font-weight:500\">Drug and alcohol testing<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"\">Under the West Virginia Safer Workplace Act, an employer may <a href=\"https:\/\/www.brightmine.com\/us\/resources\/talent-management\/talent-acquisition\/recruitment\/drug-testing-laws-by-state\/\">test prospective employees for drugs and alcohol<\/a> as a condition of employment. The Act does not require testing, but an employer that chooses to test must follow the law.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"\">An employer may designate the type of sample to be used for testing and may require a prospective employee to present reliable individual identification to the person collecting the sample. Sample collection and testing must be performed according to specified standards.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"\">In addition, any drug or alcohol testing or retesting must be carried out according to the terms of a written policy that is available for review by prospective employees.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"\">The employer must pay all costs for a required drug or alcohol test.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"smokefree-workplace\" style=\"font-style:normal;font-weight:500\">Smoke-free workplace<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"\">In West Virginia, it is illegal to smoke in an area where an employer covered by the law (e.g., factories, mercantile establishments, mills or workshops) clearly and conspicuously posts a No Smoking sign.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"weapons-in-the-workplace\" style=\"font-style:normal;font-weight:500\">Weapons in the workplace<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"\">Under the Business Liability Protection Act, an employer may not prohibit employees, customers or invitees from <a href=\"https:\/\/www.brightmine.com\/us\/resources\/hr-compliance\/employee-safety\/guns-in-parking-lots-laws-by-state\/\">storing a firearm in a privately owned vehicle in a company parking lot<\/a> if they are allowed to be present in that area and the firearm is:&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list is-style-brightmine-list-item-spacing-small\">\n<li class=\"\">Lawfully possessed;&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"\">Out of view; and&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"\">Locked inside or locked to a motor vehicle in a parking lot.&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"\">However, an employer may prohibit individuals from carrying or concealing a firearm in certain areas of the employer&#8217;s property or business, including buildings and sidewalks, and in company cars used in the course of employment.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"safe-driving-practices\" style=\"font-style:normal;font-weight:500\">Safe driving practices<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"\">West Virginia prohibits drivers from using handheld devices to talk, text, email, play games or view or transmit images or data.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"organizational-exit\">Organizational exit&nbsp;<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"\">West Virginia employers may be required to follow certain requirements when <a href=\"https:\/\/www.brightmine.com\/us\/resources\/hr-compliance\/disciplinary\/documentation-for-separation-of-employment-by-state\/\">employees exit the organization<\/a>.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"final-pay\" style=\"font-style:normal;font-weight:500\">Final pay<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"\">Under West Virginia&#8217;s Wage Payment and Collection Act, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.brightmine.com\/us\/resources\/hr-compliance\/state-compliance\/final-wage-payment-requirements-by-state\/\">all wages earned before the termination of employment must be paid by the next regular payday<\/a>, either in the usual manner of payment or by mail if the employee requests it. The law applies to employees who voluntarily quit, who are involuntarily terminated, who are suspended because of a labor dispute or who are laid off.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"\">Accrued, unused vacation time or other fringe benefits provided by an employer-employee agreement and that are not payable by the next regular payday must be paid according to the terms of the agreement.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"\">In the absence of actual notice of probate proceedings, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.brightmine.com\/us\/resources\/hr-compliance\/wage-hour\/deceased-employee-wages-by-state\/\">wages owed to a deceased employee<\/a> of $800 or less may be paid without letters testamentary or before the administration of the estate.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"mass-layoffs\" style=\"font-style:normal;font-weight:500\">Mass layoffs<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"\">West Virginia does not have its own version of the federal WARN Act.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"ai-in-employment\">AI in employment&nbsp;<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"\">West Virginia does not have a law related to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.brightmine.com\/us\/resources\/hr-compliance\/ai-laws-by-state-and-locality\/\">AI in employment<\/a> applicable to private employers.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column lnrs-hide-block-on-mobile is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"border-left-color:var(--wp--preset--color--secondary-gray);border-left-width:2px;padding-left:10px;flex-basis:30%\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained wp-container-2 is-position-sticky\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-secondary-gray-background-color has-background has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-db4c44a6 wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"border-radius:14px;padding-top:10px;padding-right:10px;padding-bottom:10px;padding-left:10px\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-vertical is-layout-flex wp-container-core-group-is-layout-4b827052 wp-block-group-is-layout-flex\">\n<p style=\"margin-bottom:5px;font-style:normal;font-weight:400\" class=\"\">In this resource:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p style=\"margin-top:5px;margin-bottom:5px;font-size:clamp(14px, 0.875rem + ((1vw - 3.2px) * 0.274), 16px);line-height:1.3\" class=\"\"><a href=\"#equal-employment-opportunity\">EEO and worker protections<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p style=\"margin-top:5px;margin-bottom:5px;font-size:clamp(14px, 0.875rem + ((1vw - 3.2px) * 0.274), 16px);line-height:1.3\" class=\"\"><a href=\"#recruiting-hiring\">Recruiting and hiring<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p style=\"margin-top:5px;margin-bottom:5px;font-size:clamp(14px, 0.875rem + ((1vw - 3.2px) * 0.274), 16px);line-height:1.3\" class=\"\"><a href=\"#wage-hour\">Wage and hour<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p style=\"margin-top:5px;margin-bottom:5px;font-size:clamp(14px, 0.875rem + ((1vw - 3.2px) * 0.274), 16px);line-height:1.3\" class=\"\"><a href=\"#pay-benefits\">Pay and benefits<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p style=\"margin-top:5px;margin-bottom:5px;font-size:clamp(14px, 0.875rem + ((1vw - 3.2px) * 0.274), 16px);line-height:1.3\" class=\"\"><a href=\"#time-off-leaves-absence\">Time off and leaves of absence<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p style=\"margin-top:5px;margin-bottom:5px;font-size:clamp(14px, 0.875rem + ((1vw - 3.2px) * 0.274), 16px);line-height:1.3\" class=\"\"><a href=\"#health-safety\">Health and safety<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p style=\"margin-top:5px;margin-bottom:5px;font-size:clamp(14px, 0.875rem + ((1vw - 3.2px) * 0.274), 16px);line-height:1.3\" class=\"\"><a href=\"#organizational-exit\">Organizational exit<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p style=\"margin-top:5px;margin-bottom:5px;font-size:clamp(14px, 0.875rem + ((1vw - 3.2px) * 0.274), 16px);line-height:1.3\" class=\"\"><a href=\"#ai-in-employment\">AI in employment<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-bleach-white-background-color has-background has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-a36fa716 wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"border-radius:14px;padding-top:10px;padding-right:15px;padding-bottom:15px;padding-left:15px\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-get-the-full-picture\" style=\"font-style:normal;font-weight:500\">Get the full picture.<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"\">This resource is a brief overview of state employment law. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"\">Dig deeper with in-depth coverage of state and local employment laws in our Employment Law Guide.  Get a free quote for HR &amp; Compliance Center today.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/www.brightmine.com\/us\/quote\/?intcmp=hrcc-resources|premium-resources|button|quote|Get-a-quote\" style=\"border-radius:25px\">Get a quote<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"margin-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);margin-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)\">\n<p class=\"\"><a href=\"#top\">Go back to the top<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-primary-white-background-color has-background has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-efae2095 wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"border-radius:25px;margin-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--30);margin-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--30);padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--30);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--30);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--30);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--30)\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-you-may-also-be-interested-in\">You may also be interested in&#8230;<\/h2>\n\n\n<section id=\"resources-search-filter\" class=\"wp-block-brightmine-resources-filter has-text-color has-primary-gray-color has-background has-primary-white-background-color\">\n\n\n<div class=\"ajax-filter\">\n<div class=\"lnrs-resources-search-filter  editor-posts-filtered-topics \">\n\t\t<div class=\"search_terms_bottom\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"bottom_left\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"search_terms_result_count\">\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<div class=\"bottom_right\">\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\t<div class=\"loader-container\">\n\t\t<span class=\"loader\" style=\"display: none;\"><\/span>\n\t<\/div>\n\n\n\t<div class=\"lnrs-resource-filter-widget__container\">\n\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"lnrs-resource-hub-widget__resource\" style=\"background-color: #f3f2f0\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/www.brightmine.com\/us\/resources\/hr-compliance\/employment-law-updates\/additional-nlrb-member-opens-door-to-reverse-union-friendly-decisions\/\"><div class=\"lnrs-resource-hub-widget__resource_image\" style=\"background-image: url(https:\/\/cdn.brightmine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2026\/05\/17073128\/Creative-team-meeting-1200x627-1.webp);\"><\/div><\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"lnrs-resource-hub-widget__inner_content\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"content-top\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"lnrs-resource-hub-widget__categories\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"lnrs-resource-hub-widget__category_wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"sync\" src=\"https:\/\/www.brightmine.com\/wp-content\/plugins\/lnrs-resources-filter\/assets\/images\/category-flag.svg\" alt=\"\" class=\"lnrs-resource-hub-widget__category_icon\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"lnrs-resource-hub-widget__category\">HR News<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"title\" style=\"color: #00728B\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.brightmine.com\/us\/resources\/hr-compliance\/employment-law-updates\/additional-nlrb-member-opens-door-to-reverse-union-friendly-decisions\/\">Additional NLRB member opens door to reverse union-friendly decisions<\/a><\/h3>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<p style=\"color: #000000\">The confirmation of a fourth National Labor Relations Board member gives Republicans a 3-1 majority, creating a pathway &#8230;<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"lnrs-resource-hub-widget__resource\" style=\"background-color: #f3f2f0\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/www.brightmine.com\/us\/resources\/hr-compliance\/discrimination\/eeo-protected-classes-by-state\/\"><div class=\"lnrs-resource-hub-widget__resource_image\" style=\"background-image: url(https:\/\/cdn.brightmine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2026\/02\/13035009\/Students-attending-university-1200x627-1.webp);\"><\/div><\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"lnrs-resource-hub-widget__inner_content\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"content-top\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"lnrs-resource-hub-widget__categories\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"lnrs-resource-hub-widget__category_wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"sync\" src=\"https:\/\/www.brightmine.com\/wp-content\/plugins\/lnrs-resources-filter\/assets\/images\/category-flag.svg\" alt=\"\" class=\"lnrs-resource-hub-widget__category_icon\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"lnrs-resource-hub-widget__category\">Charts<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"title\" style=\"color: #00728B\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.brightmine.com\/us\/resources\/hr-compliance\/discrimination\/eeo-protected-classes-by-state\/\">EEO protected classes by state<\/a><\/h3>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<p style=\"color: #000000\">Explore state\u2011by\u2011state EEO protected classes to help HR teams understand discrimination laws and maintain compliant employment practices.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"lnrs-resource-hub-widget__resource\" style=\"background-color: #f3f2f0\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/www.brightmine.com\/us\/resources\/hr-compliance\/state-compliance\/final-wage-payment-requirements-by-state\/\"><div class=\"lnrs-resource-hub-widget__resource_image\" style=\"background-image: url(https:\/\/cdn.brightmine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2026\/01\/21002819\/Brightmine-office-staff-drafting-email-v2-1200x627-1.webp);\"><\/div><\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"lnrs-resource-hub-widget__inner_content\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"content-top\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"lnrs-resource-hub-widget__categories\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"lnrs-resource-hub-widget__category_wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"sync\" src=\"https:\/\/www.brightmine.com\/wp-content\/plugins\/lnrs-resources-filter\/assets\/images\/category-flag.svg\" alt=\"\" class=\"lnrs-resource-hub-widget__category_icon\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"lnrs-resource-hub-widget__category\">Charts<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"title\" style=\"color: #00728B\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.brightmine.com\/us\/resources\/hr-compliance\/state-compliance\/final-wage-payment-requirements-by-state\/\">Final wage payment requirements by state and municipality<\/a><\/h3>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<p style=\"color: #000000\">Learn how each state handles final wage payments, unused time payouts, and penalties, with our expertly maintained compliance &#8230;<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-5fb0786f wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-primary-white-background-color has-background has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-fcdab8bb wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"border-radius:25px;margin-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--30);margin-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--30);padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--30);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--30)\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group alignfull has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-5fb0786f wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-topics-on-this-page\" style=\"font-style:normal;font-weight:500\">Topics on this page<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-nowrap is-layout-flex wp-container-core-group-is-layout-6c531013 wp-block-group-is-layout-flex\">\n\n<div class=\"taxonomy-topic has-link-color wp-elements-5ec59eb01c09ec2f1d84a6b36973ff83 wp-block-post-terms\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.brightmine.com\/us\/resources\/hr-compliance\/\" rel=\"tag\">HR compliance<\/a><span class=\"wp-block-post-terms__separator\">, <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.brightmine.com\/us\/resources\/hr-compliance\/state-compliance\/\" rel=\"tag\">State-by-state compliance<\/a><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-text-color has-cararra-gray-color has-alpha-channel-opacity has-cararra-gray-background-color has-background is-style-wide\"\/>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-about-the-author\" style=\"font-style:normal;font-weight:500\">About the author<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-not-stacked-on-mobile is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-658170e2 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:100px\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full has-custom-border is-style-rounded\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"128\" height=\"128\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.brightmine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2024\/03\/12085517\/Brightmine_Favicon_128px.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-681\" style=\"border-top-left-radius:500px;border-top-right-radius:500px;border-bottom-left-radius:500px;border-bottom-right-radius:500px;aspect-ratio:1;object-fit:cover\"\/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<p class=\"\"><strong>The Brightmine Editorial Team<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"\">Our in-house team of HR experts carefully monitors and updates the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.brightmine.com\/us\/products\/hr-compliance-center\/\">Brightmine HR &amp; Compliance Center<\/a>, the most comprehensive library of employment law and HR resources. This team has an unrivaled wealth of subject matter expertise, with an average of 15 years&#8217; experience. They also bring invaluable, diverse career experiences to the table\u2014the team includes seasoned employment law attorneys, former in-house counsel, SHRM certified professionals and career employment law editors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"\">In addition to managing the HR &amp; Compliance Center, the Editorial Team supports the content across the Brightmine product portfolio. The Team also supports Marketing Resource Center with breaking <a href=\"https:\/\/www.brightmine.com\/us\/category\/hr-news\/\">HR news<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.brightmine.com\/us\/category\/c-and-i\/\">Commentary and Insights<\/a>, and expert review of key compliance resources, such as our free charts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/company\/brightmine\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Follow Brightmine on LinkedIn<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>This West Virginia employment law overview reviews requirements employers should know if they have employees working in the state.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":24,"featured_media":6836,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"employment-law-overview","categories":[13],"tags":[],"topic":[25,77],"class_list":["post-6776","resources","type-resources","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-guides-how-to","topic-hr-compliance","topic-state-compliance"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v27.8 (Yoast SEO v27.8) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-premium-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>West Virginia employment law overview | Brightmine<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"West Virginia employment law overview | This guide provides an overview of key West Virginia employment laws employers should know.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" 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