This survey covers Virginia court decisions affecting the employment relation directly or indirectly, including the Virginia Supreme Court, the Virginia Court of Appeals, and published decisions of various circuit courts. Because this subject area has not been included in earlier surveys of Virginia law, this survey covers the years 1985 and 1986. During this time, Virginia courts have interpreted the rights and duties of employers and employees under the workers\u27 compensation and unemployment compensation statutes; they have examined the remedies available under Virginia law for allegedly tortious conduct in the context of a labor dispute; they have reexamined the employment-at-will doctrine; and they have construed the authority of the Virginia Department of Labor and Industry to monitor compliance with the worker safety laws by inspecting the workplace. Because the Virginia General Assembly has not been as active in these areas, legislative developments are not featured but are noted when significant to the law under discussion
