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…
The holiday season, often a time for family and cheer, can turn into a period of immense stress and uncertainty if you suddenly find yourself unemployed. Being fired around the holidays in New Jersey or Pennsylvania can feel particularly harsh, leaving many wondering if such a termination is legal and what their options might be.…
Overview of CEPA: New Jersey’s Whistleblower Law You Spoke Up. Now You Need Protection. You saw something at work that didn’t sit right. Maybe it was unsafe conditions, financial fraud, or discrimination. You reported it—because it was the right thing to do. Now you’re worried: Will I be punished for speaking up? What are my…
Introduction When we think about workplace retaliation, we often assume it comes from management—perhaps after an employee files a complaint, requests reasonable accommodations, or reports discrimination. But what if retaliation comes from coworkers instead? Coworker retaliation can be just as damaging as retaliation from a supervisor. It can create a hostile work environment,…
Introduction: Can You Be Fired Because of Your Weight in New Jersey? Imagine this: You’re a top performer at your job, consistently exceeding expectations. But when promotion time comes around, you’re overlooked—again. The feedback? “We’re looking for someone with the right image.” Or maybe you’ve endured meetings where colleagues make casual jokes about weight,…
Introduction: Racial Discrimination Isn’t Always Top-Down Imagine this: Every morning, you walk into the office and brace yourself for the same routine—offhand comments about your accent, jokes about your hair, or being repeatedly left out of important meetings. It’s not your manager saying these things—it’s your coworkers. Racial discrimination at work doesn’t just come…
Did you know that the New Jersey Department of Labor (NJDOL) investigates thousands of wage complaints annually, resulting in millions of dollars recovered for employees? If you’re dealing with unpaid wages, misclassification, or retaliation, filing a complaint with the NJDOL is a powerful way to protect your rights and seek justice. This guide provides a…
The National Labor Relations Act (NLRA) is a federal law that protects employees’ rights to organize, unionize, and discuss workplace conditions without fear of retaliation. Unfortunately, many employees experience violations of these rights, often without realizing they’re protected under the NLRA. Understanding your rights and recognizing potential violations are critical steps in protecting yourself and…
The distinction between an independent contractor and an employee might seem like a technicality, but it has a significant impact on your rights, benefits, and income. Misclassification can deprive you of overtime pay, health insurance, unemployment benefits, and more. Unfortunately, some employers intentionally misclassify workers to cut costs at the expense of their workforce. In…
Workplace injuries can lead to long-lasting physical and financial burdens. For some employees, the injuries are so severe that continuing work becomes impossible, forcing them to resign. Quitting due to an injury can create significant challenges, especially regarding lost income and potential compensation. Swartz Swidler, an experienced employment law firm, has helped many clients who…