Worker Rights

The Vermont Department of Labor wages page shows Vermont’s minimum wage, tells when the next increase will be, and explains when employers don't have to pay the minimum wage for some types of jobs or employees.

If you are unlawfully paid below the minimum wage, ask your employer to fix the problem. If they won’t, ask the Vermont Department of Labor for help. See Wage / pay problems, below.

If you have an issue about minimum wages, unpaid or delayed wages, unpaid overtime, improper deductions or unpaid benefits, ask your employer to fix the problem. If they won’t, you can file a Wage/Benefit Claim by mail or online with the Vermont Department of Labor. 

It is illegal for an employer to retaliate against you for voicing concerns about wage violations. They cannot retaliate against you for asking for legal help or filing a wage claim with the Vermont Department of Labor.

Vermont employees may be eligible for certain types of leave. You cannot be penalized for using the leave if you meet the necessary qualifications. 

Learn about different types of leave from work:

• parental and family leave 
• military leave
• sick time
• jury duty

Under Vermont and federal law, employees are entitled to a safe workplace. For information about workplace safety, visit Vermont's Occupational Safety and Health Administration (VOSHA) website.

If you think your workplace is not safe, contact VOSHA to discuss your concerns. You may be asked to fill out a complaint form about the hazards.

Complaints are retyped and your name and personal information are removed. Employees are protected from discrimination for filing a complaint with VOSHA. If you are a victim of discrimination because you filed a complaint, contact VOSHA within 30 days. If you are discriminated against, you may also file a private action (law suit) against your employer.

Learn about laws that protect the rights of breastfeeding mothers in the workplace. 

Under Vermont law, all employees have the right to a workplace free from sexual harassment. Supervisors and managers, including those who oversee or contract with volunteers, interns and independent contractors, have an obligation to ensure the working relationship is “free from sexual harassment.” 

See chapter five of “The Legal Rights of Women in Vermont” handbook for information on harassment at work.

Vermont law bans drug testing of applicants for employment until after the applicant has been offered a job and the employer has given notice of the intent to test. Vermont law allows drug testing of some employees.

Check the Civil Rights Unit of the Vermont Attorney General’s Office for information and enforcement of the laws related to drug testing.

In 2018, the Vermont Attorney General’s Office published a guide to marijuana laws and the Vermont workplace.

Generally, an employer may not require or ask that an applicant or employee submit to or take a lie detector test as a condition of employment. The Civil Rights Unit of the Vermont Attorney General’s Office enforces the laws related to polygraphs.