Employees who speak up about workplace misconduct should not fear losing their jobs or facing punishment. Both federal and New Jersey laws prohibit retaliation against workers who engage in protected activities. When an employer responds to a complaint with discipline, demotion, or termination, legal protections may apply.
Castronovo & McKinney, LLC focuses exclusively on employment law and represents employees in Woodbridge Township and throughout New Jersey who believe they have been subjected to retaliation. Careful legal analysis can determine whether adverse actions violate state or federal statutes.
What Is Protected Activity?
Protected activities generally include actions such as:
- Reporting discrimination or harassment
- Filing a wage or overtime complaint
- Requesting family or medical leave
- Participating in internal investigations
- Objecting to unlawful workplace practices
Employees are protected even if the underlying complaint is not ultimately proven, provided the complaint was made in good faith.
Forms of Retaliation
Retaliation is not limited to termination. It may also include:
- Demotion or reduction in pay
- Unfavorable schedule changes
- Exclusion from projects or advancement opportunities
- Heightened scrutiny or unwarranted discipline
Courts evaluate whether the employer’s actions would discourage a reasonable employee from engaging in protected activity.
Establishing a Retaliation Claim
To prove retaliation, employees generally must demonstrate that they engaged in protected activity, that the employer knew about it, that an adverse action occurred, and that a causal link exists between the two.
Timing often plays a significant role. Sudden negative treatment following a complaint may support an inference of retaliatory motive.
Potential Remedies
If a retaliation claim is successful, employees may be entitled to back pay, front pay, emotional distress damages, attorneys’ fees, and, in some cases, additional statutory relief. Reinstatement may also be available in appropriate cases.
Because employment claims are subject to strict deadlines, prompt evaluation is important.
Learn More About Retaliation Claims in Woodbridge Township
For additional guidance regarding retaliation protections in Woodbridge Township, review this resource: Woodbridge Township Retaliation Lawyers NJ.
Contact Castronovo & McKinney, LLC
Castronovo & McKinney, LLC
71 Maple Ave
Morristown, NJ 07960
Phone: 973-920-7888
Email: tom@cmlaw.com
Hours: Monday – Friday, 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
The firm represents employees and employers throughout Woodbridge Township and across New Jersey, including Bergen County, Essex County, Middlesex County, and Morris County, as well as communities such as Newark, Hackensack, and New Brunswick.
