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Addressing Workplace Discrimination in New Jersey

Workplace discrimination is a persistent issue that can create a hostile and unproductive environment for employees. In New Jersey, workers are protected by both state and federal laws against discrimination based on various characteristics, including race, gender, age, disability, religion, and more. In this blog post, we will explore the types of workplace discrimination, the legal protections available to employees in New Jersey, and the steps you can take if you believe you are experiencing discrimination at work.

What is Workplace Discrimination?

Workplace discrimination occurs when an employee is treated unfairly or unequally because of a characteristic that is protected by law. These characteristics include but are not limited to:

Race

Gender

Sexual Orientation

Age (40 or older)

Disability

Religion

Pregnancy

National Origin

Marital Status

Discrimination can occur in various aspects of employment, including hiring, firing, promotions, pay, job assignments, and work conditions. Discriminatory practices can be both overt (e.g., racial slurs or sexual comments) and subtle (e.g., being passed over for promotion due to your age or gender).

Legal Protections Against Workplace Discrimination in New Jersey

Employees in New Jersey are protected from workplace discrimination under both federal and state laws. Some of the key legal protections include:

Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964: This federal law prohibits employment discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, and national origin.

The New Jersey Law Against Discrimination (NJLAD): NJLAD is a state law that provides broader protections than federal law, prohibiting discrimination based on additional factors such as sexual orientation, marital status, and gender identity.

The Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA): This federal law protects employees 40 years of age or older from discrimination based on age.

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA): This law protects employees with disabilities from discrimination and mandates reasonable accommodations in the workplace.

The Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA): Employees are protected from discrimination for taking medical or family leave under FMLA or New Jersey's Family Leave Act (NJFLA).

These laws ensure that all employees are treated fairly and have access to the same employment opportunities, regardless of their protected characteristics.

Signs of Workplace Discrimination

There are many ways that discrimination can manifest in the workplace. Common signs of discrimination include:

Unequal Pay: Being paid less than a coworker of a different gender, race, or other protected status for the same work.

Unfair Hiring Practices: Being denied a job based on race, gender, or other discriminatory factors, rather than qualifications or experience.

Hostile Work Environment: Experiencing repeated discriminatory comments, slurs, or inappropriate behavior from coworkers or supervisors.

Denied Promotions: Being passed over for a promotion based on age, disability, gender, or other illegal reasons, even though you are qualified for the position.

Discriminatory Harassment: Being subjected to inappropriate comments or behaviors based on your race, religion, gender, or other protected category, creating a hostile work environment.

What to Do if You Experience Discrimination at Work

If you believe you are being discriminated against at work, it is important to take action. Here are the steps you can take:

Document the Discrimination: Keep detailed records of discriminatory incidents, including dates, times, what was said or done, and any witnesses. This documentation can be crucial if you need to file a complaint or lawsuit later.

Report the Discrimination: Many employers have internal policies for reporting discrimination. If you feel comfortable, report the discriminatory behavior to your human resources department or management. Your employer is legally required to investigate and address discrimination complaints.

File a Complaint with Authorities: If your employer does not take appropriate action or if the discrimination continues, you can file a formal complaint with the New Jersey Division on Civil Rights (DCR) or the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC).

Consult an Employment Lawyer: An experienced employment lawyer can help you navigate the legal process and determine whether you have a case. An attorney can also assist with filing complaints, negotiating settlements, and pursuing litigation if necessary.

How NJ Employment Lawyers, LLC Can Help

If you believe that you are the victim of workplace discrimination, the experienced attorneys at NJ Employment Lawyers, LLC are here to help. We understand the emotional and financial toll discrimination can take on employees and are committed to ensuring that your rights are protected. Our team is dedicated to helping clients navigate the complexities of workplace discrimination cases and securing the compensation they deserve. Contact us today for a consultation.

Contact Information

For legal assistance, please contact us at: NJ Employment Lawyers, LLC 101 Eisenhower Pkwy #300 Roseland, NJ 07068 (973) 358-7027

Conclusion

Workplace discrimination is illegal and unacceptable. If you believe you are being discriminated against at work, it is important to take action and protect your rights. New Jersey offers strong legal protections for employees, and you do not have to endure discrimination in silence. At NJ Employment Lawyers, LLC, we are dedicated to helping employees fight against workplace discrimination and achieve justice. Contact us today to discuss your case and learn how we can assist you.