Burlington County

Attorneys Representing Employees in Burlington County

Burlington County is the second-largest county in New Jersey in terms of geographical area and the 11th-largest county in the state in terms of population. Employers in Burlington County include Canon, NFL Films, Oki Data, Ikea, Medford Leas, ReadyPak, BJ’s Wholesale, Radwell International, Haddon Food Products, YMCA, and Express Scripts. Whether large or small, employers sometimes fail to comply with the law in their treatment of their employees. If this happens to you, you should consult the Burlington County employment lawyers at Phillips & Associates.

Employee Rights in New Jersey

Employers in Burlington County are required to follow both federal and state employment laws regarding matters such as discrimination, harassment, retaliation, and employment contracts. For example, your employer should not discriminate against you when it is making a hiring decision or promoting employees. It also should not discriminate against you when determining layoffs or deciding whether to fire you. Also, your employer should not punish you for bringing a discrimination claim, or for assisting with an investigation into discrimination.

The New Jersey Law Against Discrimination and Other State Laws

In many cases, the New Jersey Law Against Discrimination (NJLAD) can provide greater protection against discrimination than do federal anti-discrimination laws. The state law applies to all employees in Burlington County other than federal employees. It protects more characteristics than does federal law. The NJLAD prohibits discrimination based on sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, race, color, nationality, national origin, ancestry, creed, pregnancy, disability, and marital status, as well as sexual harassment. Additionally, there are no caps on damages under the NJLAD. Our employment attorneys can help Burlington County residents vigorously assert their rights under this law.

Discrimination occurs when an employee is treated adversely regarding a term, condition, or privilege of employment, based upon a protected characteristic or membership in a protected class. It could occur in connection with hiring, promotions, pay, layoffs, or termination. One form of discrimination is harassment. For example, if you are groped or sent pornography by your supervisor or co-worker, you likely will have a claim of sexual harassment. There are two types of sexual harassment: quid pro quo and hostile work environment harassment. For another example, if you are fired because you asked for a reasonable accommodation after being diagnosed with cancer, you may have a claim of disability discrimination. Similarly, if there is something to show that you were not hired because you are African-American, you likely will have a claim of race discrimination.

In addition to the New Jersey Law Against Discrimination, there are other state laws that provide strong protections to employees. Our Burlington County employment attorneys can bring claims under these laws as well. For example, the New Jersey Family Leave Act requires covered employers to provide up to 12 weeks of job-protected leave during a 24-week period when there are certain reasons to do so, such as caring for a sick family member. Your employer is not supposed to discriminate against you for taking this leave.

Federal Law

Federal law provides protections against discrimination to Burlington County employees as well. Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), and the Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA) provide certain protections to employees. Usually, these laws only apply to mid-size or large employers.

Retain a Skillful Employment Attorney

Employers in Burlington County do not always abide by federal and state laws. Unfortunately, employees are at a substantial disadvantage if they go up on their own against an employer that has treated them unfairly. There are also time constraints on pursuing a claim. Our knowledgeable and skillful employment lawyers represent Burlington County residents in claims involving discrimination, retaliation, or harassment. If you believe that you were a victim of workplace misconduct, you should contact Phillips & Associates for a free consultation. Our firm can be reached at (866) 229-9441 or through our online form.

Managing Partner in New Jersey - Bryan Arce