Like all other states in the US (except Montana), New Jersey is an “Employment-at-will” state. It means your employer can terminate your employment for no reason.
We know this is disheartening, but this is the case, anyhow.
Besides, in New Jersey, there is no such law that states that mistreating an employee is illegal, as long as the unfair treatment is not based on discriminatory intent.
To put this into perspective, it is unlawful for an employer to discriminate between employees based on race, religion, disability, sex, etc.
As an employee, you would want to do everything in your legal power to protect your job. Notably, learning your rights as an employee could help with the same.
This article will be laying out the most crucial of lawful employee rights in New Jersey.
Workplace Environment
As an employee, the most fundamental right employees are legally vested with is a safe work environment. This definition could be a little hazy, as safety at the workplace usually means ensuring ‘no accidents.’ But in actuality, the description is far-reaching.
For instance, it is illegal to subject an employee to a sexually or racially hostile environment. Employers are required by law to ensure that the workplace is safe for everyone by all means.
Family And Medical Leave
Like most states, employers from any field or industry are entitled to paid leaves for some exceptional reasons. These include family emergencies and medical concerns.
For example, women employees are generally allowed weeks of maternity leave during their pregnancy. And, notably, as the experienced wrongful termination lawyers in New Jersey explain, employers cannot fire someone on the grounds of their rightful leaves.
If it happens, the employees can file a wrongful termination lawsuit against their employer.
Right To Overtime Pay
Contractual as well as non-contractual employees in New Jersey are entitled to overtime pays. Legally speaking, under federal labor laws, employers cannot forcibly make their employees work more than 8 hours in continuity.
Besides, in New Jersey, it is illegal to deny overtime payments to an employee. So, if an employer refuses it, they may face a lawsuit in court.
Workplace Equality
Another lawful right vested with employees is equality in wages. Employers cannot discriminate, as already mentioned, based on sex, race, religion, etc. And this holds for wages paid too.
It is noteworthy that workplace inequality is one of the most commonly filed cases in the US against employers. It is second to only sexual harassment at the workplace.
Right To Personal Injury Compensation
Last but not least is the right to compensation. In case an employee is injured physically, mentally, emotionally, or financially while on duty, the employer is liable to compensate for the loss and suffering,
Besides, in New Jersey, employers are legally liable to insure their employees. If they do not have employee insurance, they may have to pay the compensations out of their pocket.
As an employee, you have specific duties but equally, hold the right to demand fair treatment.
Though there are no direct laws that distinguish between fair and unfair treatments at the workplace, it is possible to find common ground with a clear understanding of your rights.
