Pennsauken Employment Lawyers

Most new or current employees may not be thinking about their rights or what to do if they experience sexual harassment or discrimination. If they are lucky, they will perform various assignments, learn new skills, and gradually find their niches at their place of business without too much drama. Unfortunately, not every work experience begins or ends in an innocuous fashion. Some employees become involved in situations that threaten to derail their careers or cause them distress that requires more than just a quick discussion with the employer to clear the air. Dealing with employment discrimination, sexual harassment, or even wage disputes requires the counsel of an employment lawyer who will ensure that your rights are not being violated.

Employment Discrimination Laws

Employment discrimination may arise at any business and target characteristics found in workers across the state. The New Jersey Law Against Discrimination (NJLAD) ensures that employers cannot discriminate against any employee for any reason. It is illegal to discriminate against traits workers may possess, including color, race, national origin, nationality, ancestry, creed, age, sex, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, pregnancy, military status, AIDS or HIV status, genetics, and more.

Whistleblower Laws

Whistleblowers are protected by some of the most stringent laws in the country. If an employee believes that their employer may be engaging in criminal, unlawful, or fraudulent acts, they may decide to report their employer. If the employer then retaliates against the whistleblower by demoting, firing, disciplining, or harassing the employee, they may be liable for these acts. The Conscientious Employee Protection Act (CEPA), which is specific to New Jersey, provides protection to whistleblowers from employers who may retaliate against workers who testify against them during a trial or refuse to engage in behavior that supports the illegal actions of the employers.

Sexual Harassment Laws

Sexual harassment occurs in every industry, but before the scourge of high-profile cases flooded the news, victims may have been fearful disclosing their experiences to their employers. Tales by victims in the limelight may have contributed to the increase in cases, as well as the strengthening of policies and reinforcement of laws holding perpetrators accountable. In New Jersey, the NJLAD protects victims by designating sexual harassment as sexual discrimination.

Family Leave Programs

In addition to the federal Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), which provides 12 weeks of unpaid leave, some states have additional programs, such as the New Jersey Family Leave Act (NJFLA) and the newly enacted New Jersey Paid Sick Leave Act. The NJFLA enables parents to take up to 12 weeks of paid time off to tend to and bond with their new infant or adopted child.

If an employee requires time off due to an illness or to care for a sick loved one, they can do so under the New Jersey Paid Sick Leave Act. Employees accrue the time through their hours of employment. The Act covers other personal caretaking needs, including assisting loved ones involved in domestic or sexual violence situations and childcare issues.