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We received numerous phone calls a day from potential clients asking whether the harassment they are experiencing at work is illegal. Most assume that it is illegal because it is completely unfair, degrading and abusive. However, NJ Harassment Law does not protect harassment unless the harassment is either severe or pervasive AND based on a protected characteristic. This means that we need to be able to prove that the harassment you are suffering at work it a result of your race, gender, religion, disability, age, or other protected characteristic. If that harassment is not based on one of these protected characteristics, it is not protected by the law. Unfortunately, the law allows an employee to quit if he is unhappy with the work environment, but it does not protect the employee from the abuse unless the employee can meet the requirements for an intentional infliction of emotional distress claim.
If you questions regarding whether you are suffering illegal harassment, please contact our NJ Employment Lawyers.