What Are The Legal Protections Afforded to Whistleblowers?

Whistleblowers are protected from discrimination and retaliation. The New Jersey Conscientious Employee Protection Act (CEPA) protects whistleblowers. Whistleblowers are employees who report illegal or unsafe activity their employer commits in the workplace. CEPA is frequently known as New Jersey’s “Whistleblower Act” because it prohibits employers from retaliating against employees who report illegal activity in the workplace.

Protected Employees

Under CEPA, employers cannot retaliate against employees who:

• Inform a supervisor or the public about an illegal activity, policy, or practice
• Provide information or testify during an investigation, hearing, or inquiry involving the employer
• Provide information that the employer deceived or misrepresented a shareholder, client, investor, or patient
• Provide information about an activity on behalf of the employer that they believe to be illegal
• Object to, or refuse to participate in, an activity, policy, or practice that they believe is illegal or against the best interest of public health or safety

CEPA ensures that under any of these situations, the whistleblower may not be subject to any adverse employment action in connection with reporting the violation.

Retaliation For Employment Discrimination

The New Jersey Law Against Discrimination (NJLAD) protects employees against employment discrimination based on certain protected classes, including pregnancy discrimination, sexual harassment in the workplace, age discrimination, race discrimination, and more. Employees who feel they have been discriminated against in the workplace can file a claim with the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC).

As with any other whistleblower claim, it is illegal for an employer to retaliate against an employee who reports workplace harassment or discrimination or files a claim with the EEOC.

Red Bank Whistleblower Lawyers At McOmber McOmber & Luber, P.C. Represent New Jersey Whistleblowers In Retaliation Claims

You have the right to report your employer’s unsafe or illegal practices without fear of retaliation. To share your story, contact an experienced Red Bank whistleblower lawyer at McOmber McOmber & Luber, P.C. today. Call one of our office locations today to discuss your case or contact us online.

We offer free consultations to clients in Marlton, Cherry Hill, Middletown, Red Bank and throughout New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania.