March is Women’s History Month, a time to celebrate the achievements of women and recognize their contributions to society. As we honor this month, it is important to remember that every woman deserves equal rights and respect in the workplace. This blog post will discuss employee rights for women as well as how to ensure equality in the workplace.
Women’s Rights in the Workplace
Women have certain rights and protections under New Jersey law. Here are some of the most important laws that protect women workers in NJ:
- The Law Against Discrimination (LAD) prohibits employers from discriminating against employees or applicants on the basis of sex, race, color, national origin, age, disability, pregnancy or any other characteristic protected by state or federal law. It also prohibits sexual harassment in the workplace.
- The New Jersey Family Leave Act (NJFLA) provides eligible employees with up to 12 weeks of unpaid leave during any 24-month period for a variety of reasons related to family caregiving responsibilities or serious health conditions.
- The Equal Pay Act of 1963 requires employers to pay men and women equally for doing equal work. This applies even if job titles are different and there are differences between job duties.
- The Pregnancy Discrimination Act (PDA) prohibits discrimination based on pregnancy or childbirth-related medical conditions when making employment decisions such as hiring, firing, promotions or pay raises. It also requires employers to make reasonable accommodations for pregnant workers if necessary.
Ensuring Equality in the Workplace
In addition to knowing your rights as a woman employee, it is also important to take steps to ensure equal treatment at work. Here are some tips for promoting equality and respect in the workplace:
- Speak up when you observe unfair treatment of yourself or others—whether it is based on gender, race or any other protected characteristic—and ask your employer what they can do about it.
- Request a meeting with your supervisor if you feel like you are not being treated fairly due to gender bias or any other form of discrimination or harassment. Be sure to document all instances of discrimination so that you have evidence if needed later on.
- Lead by example—by treating other colleagues with respect regardless of their gender identity or background—you can help create an environment where everyone feels welcome and respected no matter who they are.
- Network with other women at work so that you can support each other both professionally and personally. Having a strong network can help increase visibility for yourself and other female colleagues which leads to more opportunities for success!
Women’s History Month is an important time for us all to celebrate our achievements and recognize our impact on society—but it is also an opportunity for us all to stand together against inequality in the workplace and demand equal rights for all women everywhere! By knowing your legal rights as an employee and taking proactive steps towards ensuring equality in the workplace we can continue fighting towards progress year round!
If you experience any type of discrimination in the workplace, our team at McOmber McOmber & Luber, P.C is here to help.