If you believe you’re being treated differently at work because of your race, you’re not alone—and you may have powerful rights under New Jersey law. Racial discrimination in the workplace is illegal under both state and federal law, and the protections for New Jersey employees are some of the strongest in the country. This guide…
Winter is one of the most common times of year for layoffs in New Jersey. Retail slows after the holidays. Construction projects pause. Warehouses and manufacturers reduce shifts. Corporate employers restructure budgets at the start of the year. For workers, these layoffs often come with little warning—sometimes a meeting on Friday and a final paycheck…
Introduction The holiday season often brings a surge in employment, from temporary retail positions to increased shifts in hospitality. However, once the festive decorations are packed away, many employees in New Jersey and Pennsylvania face a harsh reality: a sudden and often unannounced reduction in work hours. This can be a devastating blow, impacting household…
Introduction The request for overtime often comes with the unspoken expectation that employees will readily accept. For many workers in New Jersey and Pennsylvania, declining extra hours might be a necessity due to family commitments, health concerns, or simply the need for a work-life balance. However, the decision to say “no” can sometimes be met…
Introduction In the diverse workplaces of New Jersey and Pennsylvania, employees bring a rich tapestry of backgrounds, beliefs, and practices. For many, religious faith is a deeply personal and guiding force that influences daily life, including their professional routines. Sometimes, these religious practices may conflict with work schedules, dress codes, or other employment policies, leading…
The new year often brings about fresh starts, but for some employees, it can bring uncertainty. Companies frequently undergo reorganizations, a process that can lead to shifts in roles, responsibilities, and even the requirement for existing employees to reapply for their own positions. This can be a jarring experience, leaving many to wonder about the…
I. The Legal Snapshot: A Quick Summary Employees taking FMLA leave during the holidays face unique risks of retaliation, including the denial of “attendance bonuses” and accusations of leave abuse. To avoid these pitfalls, employees should provide written notice of their leave needs as early as possible, avoid social media activity that contradicts their…
I. The Legal Snapshot: A Quick Summary Employers often enforce “blackout dates” for vacation requests during the holidays, but these policies generally cannot be applied to protected medical leave under the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA). Punishing an employee for taking necessary medical leave during a busy holiday period—by withholding bonuses, assigning penalty…
I. The Legal Snapshot: A Quick Summary While employers generally have the right to set work location policies, they cannot deny a remote work request if it qualifies as a reasonable accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) or equivalent state laws (NJLAD/PHRA). Denying remote work for discriminatory reasons (e.g., based on disability, gender,…
Taking time off work to care for yourself or your family is stressful enough. You shouldn’t also have to fear losing your job or being punished for exercising your rights. Unfortunately, some employers retaliate against employees who take leave under the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA). If you’re facing FMLA retaliation, you have strong…