As employment law advocates, we’ve witnessed countless hardworking New Jersey employees face a hidden enemy: retaliation. It’s the tactic of the office bully, a way to silence those who dare to speak up for their rights. Here’s the empowering truth: New Jersey law and Schall & Barasch stand firmly behind you.
Recognizing Workplace Retaliation
Workplace retaliation occurs when your employer punishes you for speaking up regarding activities protected by law. These activities can include reporting discrimination or harassment, filing a wage and hour complaint, requesting medical leave you’re entitled to, raising safety concerns about the work environment, or simply participating in an investigation. The key takeaway? If you do something your employer is legally obligated to allow, they can’t retaliate against you for it.
The sneaky nature of retaliation lies in its ability to disguise itself. It can be as subtle as a sudden shift in your boss’s demeanor or manner of speaking to you, going from friendly and supportive to cold and critical. Or, it can be as blatant as an unexplained demotion or termination shortly after you reported a safety violation.
Watch out for red flags like negative performance reviews appearing right after you raised an issue, a sudden increase in scrutiny that is designed to make you feel uncomfortable and pressured to quit, or unfair scheduling changes that disrupt your life and make it difficult to manage your personal obligations. Don’t be fooled – being excluded from important meetings you typically attend or training opportunities you were previously promised can also be signs of retaliation.
You Have Rights
The good news? New Jersey’s Law Against Discrimination (NJLAD) and Conscientious Employee Protection Act (CEPA) have your back. These laws include strong anti-retaliation provisions, meaning your employer can’t act negatively against you for exercising your legal rights. They can’t punish you for speaking up about discrimination, requesting what’s owed to you by law, or simply ensuring your workplace is safe.
Workplace retaliation is a serious matter that can have lasting consequences on your career and emotional well-being. If you suspect you’re being targeted, don’t hesitate to seek legal counsel. Schall & Barasch can be your champion in this fight. We will evaluate your case, gather evidence to support your claims, and take legal action to hold your employer accountable for their unlawful behavior.
Remember, you are not powerless. New Jersey law is your shield against retaliation. Don’t let fear silence you. Contact Schall & Barasch today and fight back! By taking action, you protect your rights and send a message to your employer and others that retaliation will not be tolerated.
