What is Protected Under New Jersey Employment Law?
Most employee protections come from federal statutes or the U.S. Constitution. Under federal law, most employers are prohibited from considering any of the following when making decisions about hiring, firing, job assignments, wages, and promotions:
- Race
- Religion
- National origin
- Sex
- Age
- Disability.
Additionally, New Jersey employment law offers protection against discrimination based on:
- Marital status
- Domestic partnership or civil union status
- Sexual orientation
- Gender identity or expression
- AIDS or HIV-related illnesses.
Employers in New Jersey aren’t even allowed to ask you questions like “Are you married?” or “Are you gay?” during the interview process. (It’s illegal to ask about national origin, too, but note that employers can ask whether you are able to prove that you are eligible to work in the United States.)
Additional Employment Protections
If you take action against your employer for discrimination or for other violations of the law, it is illegal for that employer to retaliate against you. Too many people fail to stand up for their rights because they fear they’ll make the situation worse, or that their boss might give them a bad reference in the future. But with a New Jersey employment attorney’s help, you can prevent that from happening.
Employers are also required to act in accordance with their own established policies and procedures. For example, if an employee handbook says that you are entitled to a certain number of warnings prior to termination, the employer may be liable for making an exception in your case.
New Jersey employment law also provides protection for the following:
- Victims of sexual harassment
- Workers subjected to a hostile or discriminatory working environment
- Whistleblowers (people who report illegal activity by their employers)
- Employees taking leave under the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)
- Workers who are asked to violate the law and refuse.
This isn’t a complete list, so you should contact our law firm if you believe your rights might have been violated.
Contact a New Jersey Employment Attorney for Help or Advice
No one deserves discrimination. At The Law Offices of James C. DeZao, P.A., we expect employers to behave fairly and in compliance with the law. When they don’t, we are prepared to hold them accountable. Often, that means recovering financial compensation on your behalf.
If you’ve fallen victim to workplace discrimination, an experienced New Jersey employment attorney can help. But remember that a statute of limitations (“time limit”) may apply, so the sooner you act, the better.
To get started today, call (973) 358-6134 or contact us online. Our firm proudly serves Parsippany, Troy Hills, Morris County, Essex County, and the entire state of New Jersey. We are here for you.
