Bergen County is the most populous county in New Jersey, as well as one of the wealthiest communities in the U.S., based on median household income. When people who live or work in Bergen County become involved in employment-related disputes, they turn to Castronovo & McKinney, LLC.
Our employment law attorneys have in-depth knowledge of the applicable employment laws and the experience to resolve all types of workplace disputes, including:
Employment Discrimination in Bergen County
All employers in New Jersey must comply with federal and state employment laws. Employers cannot make employment decisions (e.g. hiring, firing) based on legally protected characteristics such as race, color, national origin, sex, age, disability, or sexual identity.
To pursue a claim under federal law, an employee or job applicant must first file a complaint with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), the federal agency that was established to enforce Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. If the EEOC cannot resolve the case, it may issue a right to sue letter to the aggrieved employee. It is worth noting that Title VII only covers employers with 15 or more employees.
Workers in Bergen County have stronger legal protections under the New Jersey Law Against Discrimination (NJLAD), which applies to all employers (excluding federal employers), regardless of the number of employees. Also, it is not necessary to pursue an administrative proceeding before filing a lawsuit.
Sexual Harassment
Sexual harassment is considered an unlawful form of sex-based discrimination under Title VII and the NJLAD. Generally, there are two types of harassment – quid pro quo harassment and hostile work environment.
The former occurs when a supervisor makes sexual demands in exchange for a benefit of employment (e.g. job offer, raise, promotion); the latter occurs when someone is subjected to unwanted comments, conduct, or displays of a sexual nature by anyone in the workplace – supervisors, coworkers, clients, or vendors.
At Castronovo & McKinney, we believe that employers should have zero tolerance for workplace harassment and be held accountable when employees are mistreated. If you have been subjected to sexual harassment in your workplace, don’t go it alone. Our attorneys are here to help you fight back and will make sure your rights are protected.
Wrongful Termination
If you have been fired, it is important to know your rights. Although employees in Bergen County can be fired with or without cause because New Jersey is an “at-will” state for employment purposes, you cannot be fired for an illegal or discriminatory reason. For example, if you were fired for complaining about discrimination or harassment, or in violation of an employment contract, you may have grounds for a wrongful termination claim.
Also, employers often require employees to sign severance agreements when the employment relationship ends. You should never sign a severance agreement before you speak to an experienced employment lawyer because you may forfeit your legal rights.
Wage Violations
Employers in Bergen County must adhere to federal and state wage and hour laws; however, wage violations are common, such as:
- Employee misclassification
- Failure to pay the minimum wage
- Failure to pay overtime
- Failure to pay earned commissions
If you have been denied the wages you have earned, our legal team can help you explore all your options.
Legal Services for Bergen County Employers
Our firm works with employers to help them adhere to applicable employment and labor laws governing the workplace. Our services include:
- Establishing employment policies and practices
- Designing employee handbooks
- Coordinating Labor Department audits
- Arbitrating and litigating employment claims
We work with clients to mitigate the potential for employment-related disputes and protect their interests in the event of false claims of discrimination and other misconduct.
Contact Our Experienced Bergen County, New Jersey Employment Lawyers
At Castronovo & McKinney, we work with employers and employees to create positive work environments. When employment-related disputes arise, we work to find real-world solutions.
Although many disputes can be resolved through negotiated settlements, we have the skills and experience to prosecute and defend employment litigation. Regardless of the nature of the dispute, our attorneys will have your back. Contact us today for a consultation.