Many Americans will soon pursue part-time employment with businesses during the holiday season. Similarly, teachers, school aides, and bus drivers may have left many part-time jobs open as they returned to the school year. Nearly 6.1 million Americans are currently working a part-time job while actively seeking full-time employment according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Middletown employment lawyers report that many of these workers are entitled to some of the same rights and benefits as year-round, full-time employees.
Exemptions for Unemployment
In New Jersey, seasonal work is defined as any job which is performed for under 36 weeks in any calendar year. Most seasonal or temporary employees may not collect unemployment at the end of their season due to the foreseeability of their layoff and eventual return to other full-time work. To that end, teachers and professional athletes are barred from pursuing unemployment benefits. Other workers with jobs that last fewer than 36 weeks each year may be entitled to unemployment benefits at the discretion of the state, however. A seasonal or temporary worker who believes that their employment has been terminated sooner than was expected should inquire about the availability of unemployment benefits with an experienced Middletown employment lawyer.
Temporary and seasonal work will also often be part-time in nature. New Jersey residents working under 25 hours-per-week are considered part-time employees. Although a company is under no obligation to offer a part-time employee medical or retirement benefits, part-time workers may still levy claims of job discrimination and sexual harassment under state and federal law. Additionally, Workers’ Compensation benefits exist for most employees who are injured on the job regardless of whether their employment was part-time, seasonal or temporary. Whenever an injury is sustained in the course of completing a job duty – rendering an employee unable to return to work – they must notify their manager and initiate a Workers’ Compensation claim.
Middletown Employment Lawyers at McOmber McOmber & Luber, P.C. Seek Benefits for Part-Time, Seasonal Workers
If you or a loved one was recently injured or discriminated against while working a part-time job, the Middletown employment lawyers at McOmber McOmber & Luber, P.C. will investigate your claim. Should you prevail in court, you may be entitled to compensation. Contact us online or call our Red Bank, New Jersey offices at 732-842-6500 or our Marlton, New Jersey offices at 856-985-9800, to learn how we can help you today.