Employees in New Jersey have the right to a safe and fair working environment. This principle extends beyond protection against discrimination and harassment; it includes protection from retaliation for standing up for your rights or the rights of others. At our law firm, we have a wealth of experience in protecting and advocating for these rights, especially in cases of workplace retaliation.
Workplace retaliation occurs when an employer punishes an employee for engaging in legally protected activity. This punishment can take many forms: unjustified negative performance evaluations, demotion, reduction in pay, changes in job assignments, or even termination. What they all share is their unfairness and illegality under New Jersey law.
New Jersey’s robust laws protect employees from retaliation for various protected activities. Examples include:
- Whistleblowing on illegal activities.
- Filing a complaint about workplace safety.
- Refusing to engage in unlawful activities.
- Participating in investigations into employer wrongdoing.
- Asserting rights to fair wages or overtime pay.
Strong protections against workplace retaliation exist under several New Jersey statutes, such as the Conscientious Employee Protection Act (CEPA) and the New Jersey Law Against Discrimination (NJLAD).
The CEPA, often called the “Whistleblower Act,” offers expansive protections to employees who disclose, object to, or refuse to participate in their employer’s unlawful activities. For example, if an employee reports a company’s noncompliance with environmental regulations and subsequently faces disciplinary action, demotion, or termination, they would likely have a retaliation claim under CEPA.
Similarly, the NJLAD protects employees who have complained about or refused to participate in discrimination or harassment. The NJLAD covers retaliation related to complaints about discrimination or harassment based on protected characteristics such as race, gender, age, disability, and sexual orientation. For instance, if an employee resists pressure to participate in discriminatory hiring practices and subsequently faces adverse employment action, the NJLAD provides protection and avenues for redress.
Our law firm, with its extensive experience representing plaintiffs in employment cases, is uniquely positioned to assist clients facing retaliation in the workplace. We are well-versed in state law, court decisions, and administrative regulations that inform the development and resolution of these cases. Our goal is to provide legal counsel and ensure that you, the employee, understand your rights and options.
Let’s consider a hypothetical situation. Suppose you work for a pharmaceutical company and uncover that your employer is bypassing required quality control checks in manufacturing. You decide to blow the whistle on this dangerous practice, but soon after, your employer demotes you and decreases your pay. Under CEPA, you could have a strong case for workplace retaliation in such a situation. Our firm can help you navigate the complexities of the legal process, ensuring you receive the protection and compensation you deserve.
In another scenario, imagine you’re a supervisor in a retail company and witness a pattern of age discrimination during hiring. You refuse to follow this discriminatory practice and report it to your superiors. However, you subsequently find yourself sidelined from promotions and critical projects. Under NJLAD, you likely have a retaliation claim for which our firm can provide effective legal representation.
When dealing with workplace retaliation, it’s crucial to act promptly. There are deadlines, known as statutes of limitations, for filing retaliation claims in New Jersey. This is where our expertise comes into play. We can quickly evaluate your situation, advise you on the most appropriate course of action, and ensure that all necessary legal procedures are followed accurately and promptly.
Workplace retaliation cases can be complex, requiring comprehensive knowledge of the law and the ability to build a compelling case that demonstrates the retaliatory actions of your employer. That’s why engaging a law firm with a proven track record in this area is essential.
At Risman & Risman, P.C., we advocate fiercely for our clients, providing personalized attention to every case. We don’t shy away from challenging scenarios and are committed to protecting your rights in the workplace. If you believe you have been subjected to retaliation at work in New Jersey, please get in touch with us online or at (212) 233-6400. We will guide you through your options and potential legal remedies to ensure you receive the justice you deserve.
