No. Employees who voice concerns about unsafe work conditions or object to illegal business practices cannot be fired on the basis of those complaints.
Known as whistleblowers, these workers are shielded from wrongful discharge by the New Jersey Conscientious Employee Protection Act (CEPA).
What Is the New Jersey Conscientious Employee Protection Act?
CEPA is a state law designed to protect employees from retaliation for reporting work they believe is illegal, fraudulent, unsafe, or contrary to public policy. The law applies to most public and private employers in New Jersey and covers a wide range of workplace misconduct.
Under the CEPA, employees are protected from retaliation, such as demotion or termination, after speaking out about misconduct by their employer.
What Are Examples of Retaliation Against Whistleblowers?
CEPA does more than prohibit termination. Employers are barred from taking any retaliatory action against an employee for engaging in protected whistleblowing activity. This includes demotion, suspension, pay reduction, negative performance reviews, harassment, or creating a hostile work environment.
Even subtle forms of retaliation may violate the law if they occur because an employee spoke out about misconduct.
What Should I Do If I Believe I Was Retaliated Against?
If you believe your employer retaliated against you for speaking out, it is important to act quickly, as CEPA claims are subject to strict deadlines. Contact McOmber, McOmber, & Luber, P.C., today. One of our experienced employment law attorneys can evaluate your situation, explain your rights, and help determine whether you have a valid whistleblower retaliation claim under New Jersey law.
