Sexual Harassment
Despite the media’s focus on sexual harassment, it continues to be a pervasive problem in many workplaces. Nonetheless, sexual harassment is considered a form of unlawful sex discrimination under both state and federal law. The two main forms are quid pro quo and hostile work environment:
Quid pro quo harassment is also referred to as supervisor harassment since it involves a supervisor or person in a position of authority demanding sex either as a condition of employment or in exchange for an employment benefit (e.g. raise, bonus, promotion).
A hostile work environment involves a pattern of unwelcome conduct, comments, or displays by anyone in the workplace — superiors, coworkers, vendors, clients, or customers — that is severe or pervasive enough to interfere with an employee’s ability to perform his or her job.
In other words, sexual harassment involves unwanted sexual behavior, including sexual advances or any visual, verbal, or physical conduct of a sexual nature. Specific conduct that may be considered harassment includes:
Severance Disputes / Agreements
Castronovo & McKinney’s NJ severance lawyers can assist you in reviewing your severance agreement, separation agreement and release, and negotiate with your former employer to increase the amount of severance pay that you are being offered. Our NJ severance lawyers have reviewed hundreds of severance packages and successfully negotiated significant increases in the amount of severance pay being offered to our clients. We offer two different types of services regarding your severance package.
We are commonly asked the following questions regarding termination severance agreements:
- How much am I entitled to in severance?
- Can I negotiate with my company to increase the amount of the severance pay?
- Is there any law requiring separation pay?
- Do I have to sign the severance agreement?
- Can my employer rescind the severance package after it has been offered?
Wrongful Termination
New Jersey is at an at-will-employment state, which means you can be fired at any time, with or without cause. However, an employer cannot fire you for illegal or discriminatory reasons. If this has happened to you, it takes an experienced wrongful termination attorney to protect your rights.
At Castronovo & McKinney, LLC, we are highly experienced in handling wrongful termination claims and know that being fired illegally can have lasting repercussions. When you consult with us, we will determine whether you have a viable claim and fight for the compensation you deserve. Despite the fact that you work in an at-will employment state, you have a right to earn a living. Contact our Morristown or Manhattan office today to learn how we can help.
What is wrongful termination in New Jersey?
Employers are legally permitted to terminate workers for performance reasons, regardless of the accuracy of their assessment. At the same time, employers are not required to show just cause for dismissal. This gives employers free rein to take adverse employment actions against employees and allows them to make their discriminatory actions seem legitimate. However, a wrongful termination claim may arise under the following circumstances:
Employment Discrimination
Discrimination in the workplace is not limited to hiring and firing and can present is any form of differential treatment. You may have a valid employment discrimination claim if there is proof that discriminatory actions, conduct, or commentary occurred in any phase of the employment relationship. In short, discrimination is prohibited in any aspect of employment in New Jersey. Unlike a federal claim, it is not necessary to file a claim with the NJ Division of Civil Rights (DCR) before filing a lawsuit in state court. Trust our experienced employment discrimination lawyers to protect your rights and make sure you are treated fairly in or out of the courtroom.
At Castronovo & McKinney, we have extensive experience prosecuting employment discrimination claims. While our clients typically prefer to resolve employment-related disputes through negotiated settlements, our trial attorneys know their way around the courtroom.
Whether through negotiation, arbitration, or litigation, we will work to help you achieve a positive outcome. Contact our Morristown or Manhattan office today to speak with an experienced New Jersey employment attorney.
Contact Our Experienced New Jersey Employment Attorneys
Whether you believe you have been subjected to workplace discrimination or your business is facing a meritless employment discrimination claim, you need the powerful representation Castronovo & McKinney, LLC provides. Contact us today to set up a consultation.
Castronovo & McKinney, LLC helps clients with their employment law claims throughout New Jersey including Bergen County, Essex County, Middlesex County, and Morris County as well as the cities Hackensack, Newark, New Brunswick, and Morristown.