What to Do If You’re Facing Workplace Retaliation in New Jersey
Experiencing retaliation at work can feel overwhelming. You might worry about your job, your reputation, and your future. But if you’re facing workplace retaliation in New Jersey, you have strong legal protections. State and federal laws are designed to safeguard employees from unfair treatment when they exercise their rights.
At Swartz Swidler, our employment attorneys help New Jersey workers fight back against retaliation and hold employers accountable. Here’s what you need to know — and what steps you should take.
What Counts as Workplace Retaliation Under New Jersey Law?
Workplace retaliation happens when an employer punishes you for engaging in a protected activity. These activities include reporting illegal conduct, filing a complaint, or exercising your workplace rights.
Common examples of retaliation include:
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Termination or demotion
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Pay cuts or reduced hours
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Hostile treatment from supervisors
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Being excluded from projects or training
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Negative performance reviews without cause
It’s important to remember: not all unfair actions amount to retaliation. To qualify, there must be a clear link between your protected activity and your employer’s actions.
Protected Activities That Trigger Retaliation Protections
In New Jersey, you are protected when you:
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Report or oppose discrimination or harassment
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File a complaint for unpaid wages, overtime, or wage theft
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Request reasonable accommodations for disability, pregnancy, or religion
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Take family or medical leave under state or federal law
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Blow the whistle on illegal or unethical conduct under the Conscientious Employee Protection Act (CEPA)
These rights exist to encourage workers to speak up without fear of losing their jobs.
New Jersey Laws That Protect You From Retaliation
New Jersey has some of the strongest worker protections in the country:
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CEPA (Conscientious Employee Protection Act): Protects whistleblowers from retaliation when they report or refuse to participate in unlawful activities.
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New Jersey Law Against Discrimination (NJLAD): Prohibits retaliation after reporting or opposing discrimination or harassment.
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New Jersey Family Leave Act (NJFLA): Protects employees who take leave to care for family members.
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Federal laws (Title VII, ADA, FMLA): Add additional layers of protection against retaliation.
Together, these laws make it illegal for employers to punish workers who stand up for their rights.
Signs You May Be Experiencing Retaliation at Work
Wondering if what you’re going through is retaliation? Look for these warning signs:
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A sudden drop in performance evaluations after you file a complaint
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Being reassigned to less favorable shifts or duties
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Being excluded from meetings or communication loops
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Increased hostility or harassment from management or coworkers
If these changes occur shortly after you report misconduct or request accommodations, it could indicate retaliation.
Immediate Steps to Take if You Suspect Retaliation
If you believe you’re facing workplace retaliation in New Jersey:
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Document everything – Keep a detailed record of incidents, dates, and witnesses.
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Save evidence – Preserve emails, texts, HR reports, and performance reviews.
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File an internal complaint – If safe, notify HR or management in writing.
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Contact an employment attorney – Laws have strict deadlines, and an experienced lawyer can help protect your claim.
How a New Jersey Retaliation Attorney Can Help You
A retaliation attorney can:
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Evaluate your case and gather supporting evidence
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File complaints with the EEOC or the NJ Division on Civil Rights
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Negotiate settlements to recover lost wages or damages
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Represent you in court if your employer refuses to resolve the matter
Legal representation ensures that your rights are protected at every step.
Why Choose Swartz Swidler for Retaliation Cases in NJ?
At Swartz Swidler, our attorneys focus exclusively on employment law. We’ve represented workers across New Jersey who faced retaliation for speaking up.
Here’s why employees trust us:
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Local expertise: We know CEPA and other NJ-specific laws inside and out.
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Proven results: Our team has a strong track record in whistleblower and retaliation cases.
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Dedicated advocacy: We treat every case with urgency and care.
If you need a workplace retaliation lawyer in New Jersey, Swartz Swidler is ready to fight for your rights.
FAQs About Workplace Retaliation in New Jersey
How do I prove retaliation under CEPA?
You need to show you engaged in protected activity, your employer took an adverse action, and there’s a connection between the two. Documentation is key.
Can I be fired while pursuing a retaliation claim?
Employers can try, but doing so may strengthen your case. Your attorney can help you seek reinstatement or additional damages.
What damages can I recover in a NJ retaliation case?
Possible remedies include reinstatement, back pay, front pay, emotional distress damages, and sometimes punitive damages.
Take Action Today — Protect Your Rights in New Jersey
If you’re facing workplace retaliation in New Jersey, don’t wait. Strict deadlines apply to retaliation claims, and early action is critical.
Swartz Swidler is here to protect you. Contact us today for a free, confidential consultation and let us help you fight back against unlawful retaliation.
📞 Call now or fill out our online form to speak with an attorney.
