Chap. 53.—An ACT to require employers of females in stores. shops, offices, o
manufactories as clerks, operatives, or helpers in any business, trade, or occu.
pation, to provide seats for such female employees, and prov iding a penalty for

lure or refusal to provide such seats,

Approved January 12, 1498.

1. Be it enacted by the general-assembly of Virginia, That all per-
sons who employ females in stores, shops, offices, or manufactories as
clerks, operatives, or helpers in any business, trade, or oecupation car-
ried on or operated by them. in the state of -Virginia, shall be required
to procure and provide proper and suitable seats for’ all such females,
sary, and shall not make any rules, regulations or orders preventing the
use of such stools or seats when any such female employees are not ac-
tively employed in their work in such business or employment.

2. If any emplover of female help in the state of Virginia shall neg-
lect or refuse to provide seats, as provided in this act, or shall make
any rules, orders, or reaulations in his shop, store, or other place of
business, requiring females to remain st: nding w hen not necess: ily
employed in service or labor therein, he shall be deemed guilty of a nis-
demeanor, and upon conviction thereof in any court of competent
junsdiction shall be Hable to a fine therefor in a sum not to exceed
twenty-five dollars with costs, in the discretion of the court.

3. This act shall be in force from its passage.