Understanding and Upholding New Jersey’s Anti-Retaliation Law

The New Jersey Conscientious Employee Protection Act (NJ CEPA) prevents employers from retaliating against employees who publicly object to practices that are illegal or inappropriate from a public policy standpoint.

An employer is in violation of this act if they take any retaliatory action against an employee who:

• Tells, or threatens to tell, a supervisor or public body about any activity, policy or practice that they reasonably believe to be illegal.
• Provides information or testimony to an investigation, hearing, or inquiry into law violations.
• Reports deception or misrepresentation.
• Provides information regarding criminal or fraudulent activity.
• Objects to, or refuses to participate in, any activity, policy or practice that he/she believes to be illegal, fraudulent, criminal, or in contrast with public policy.

If You See Something, Say Something

Protecting the “whistleblower” is an important component of protecting everyone from workplace misconduct of all types. With the protection of NJ CEPA, employees should be able to point out, or refuse to participate in, any conduct that makes themselves or their coworkers uncomfortable. It is, however, important to note that the employee must “reasonably believe [the conduct] is in violation of a law, or a rule or regulation issued under the law.”

When Bad Businesses Fight Back

If you have spoken up about a practice, policy, or activity that you felt was illegal or inappropriate and faced any kind of retaliatory action, you probably have a case against your employer. Retaliation can include:

• Discharge or dismissal
• Suspension
• Demotion
• Any other adverse employment action

Protect Your Best Interests: Our Employment Lawyers Represent Cases in New Jersey & New York

Retaliation interrupts an employee’s ability to look out for themselves and others.

If you have been retaliated against after speaking up about your employer’s illegal or inappropriate conduct, contact us today and sign up for a free consultation. A simple phone call to (201) 870-1909 can make all the difference.