Workplace discrimination is illegal when it occurs based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, age, or disability. Federal and state laws provide essential protections for employees, including Title VII of the Civil Rights Act, the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), the National Labor Relations Act, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA), the Conscientious Employee Protection Act (CEPA), the New Jersey Law Against Discrimination (NJLAD), and the Pennsylvania Human Relations Act (PHRA).

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We offer free, confidential consultations where our employment lawyers in Philadelphia and Mt Laurel, NJ can evaluate your case and give you answers to your questions.

Employment Discrimination

Discrimination can occur for various reasons, including race, gender, age, and disability. You may have been denied a workplace change due to a disability or religious beliefs. Improper questions about your personal information or the sharing of your medical or genetic details may also be signs of discrimination. Additionally, if someone at work has retaliated against you for filing a complaint or initiating an investigation, it’s essential to understand your rights.

Race, color, or national origin

It is illegal to treat an employee or job applicant differently because of their race or color. This includes situations like hiring, firing, promotions, pay, job training, and other employment conditions. If you have faced discrimination based on your race, color, or national origin at work, you have 180 days to file a lawsuit. Federal employees have 45 days to consult with a counselor about their situation.

Sex and gender discrimination

Under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, it is illegal to discriminate against an employee or job applicant because of their gender. Many states also prohibit discrimination based on gender identity or sexual orientation.

Religion or creed

Title VII of the Civil Rights Act and laws in Pennsylvania and New Jersey, make it illegal for employers to discriminate against employees or job applicants based on their religious beliefs or creed. This includes issues related to hiring, firing, promotions, dress codes that target specific faiths, unfair work schedules affecting religious practices, banning religious items, sexual harassment, and unequal pay due to religion.

Harassment or hostile work environment

It is illegal to create a hostile work environment or harass an employee. This includes unwelcome conduct based on race, genetics, age, sex, religion, national origin, or disability. To prove that you are working in a hostile work environment, you must produce evidence that the harassment was because of one of the above characteristics.

FMLA

The Family Medical Leave Act has rules that protect against employment discrimination related to FMLA. For instance, Sections 105 and 825.220 of the FMLA regulations prevent employers from discriminating or retaliating against an employee or job applicant for using or requesting leave under the FMLA.

Disability Discrimination

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) protects employees and job applicants with mental or physical disabilities from discrimination. This applies to hiring, firing, pay, promotions, and more. It allows employees to report, investigate, and file lawsuits for disability discrimination by preventing employers from retaliating during or after this process.

Age discrimination

Discrimination of employees over the age of 40 in Pennsylvania is prohibited as noted in the Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA) and the Pennsylvania Human Relations Act (PHRA) All employees over 40 years of age are protected by these federal and Pennsylvania laws. In New Jersey, the federal law applies to those over the age of 40, and the New Jersey Law Against Discrimination (NJLAD) also prevents employment discrimination on the basis of age (NJ Rev. Stat. Sec. 10:5-1 et seq.) anyone at least 18 years old or under the age of 70. Contact an Employment Lawyer today for your age discrimination lawsuit.

National Labor Relations Act

The National Labor Relations Act (NLRA), passed in 1935, protects employees’ rights to join unions, improve working conditions, or choose not to participate in these activities. It is illegal for employers to influence union activities in hiring, firing, promotions, pay, and more.

Whistleblower rights and retaliation

It is illegal for an employer to retaliate against an employee for being a whistleblower. Employees are allowed to and are protected by law if they report an injury, safety concern, certain mismanagement, abuse of authority, or legal violation in the workplace. At Zeff Law Firm, our Philadelphia and New Jersey employment lawyers protect your Whistleblower Rights and will guide you through filing a Retaliation employment discrimination lawsuit.

Severance Agreements

When an employer fires an employee, they may offer a severance agreement, a legally binding contract outlining the terms of the termination. By signing it, the employee usually gives up their right to sue for wrongful termination. Before signing, have an employment lawyer review it.

Partnership Disputes

There are many reasons for business partnership disputes. These disputes often need the help of an employment attorney in Philadelphia or NJ. They can involve issues like breach of contract, breach of fiduciary duty, unethical behavior, embezzlement, or fraud. An Employment Lawyer can help you resolve a partnership dispute.

First Amendment Rights

Can you be fired for speaking your mind? If you work for a private company, the First Amendment does not protect you from being fired for speaking your mind. However, if you work for a public government agency, you are protected from retaliation or being fired for exercising your First Amendment rights.

Frequently Asked Questions to Philadelphia Employment Lawyers

What Is The Statute Of Limitations For Filing An Employment Claim In Pennsylvania And New Jersey?

In Pennsylvania, the statute of limitations for employment discrimination claims under state law is generally 180 days from the date of the incident. In New Jersey, employees have two years to file a discrimination claim under the NJLAD. Federal claims filed with the EEOC must generally be filed within 300 days.

Can I Sue My Employer For Wrongful Termination?

Yes, you can sue your employer for wrongful termination if you were fired for illegal reasons, such as discrimination, retaliation, or breach of contract. It’s important to consult an employment attorney to review your case and determine if you have a valid claim.

What Damages Can I Recover In A Labor And Employment Lawsuit?

In a labor and employment lawsuit, you may be able to recover damages such as lost wages, benefits, emotional distress, and sometimes punitive damages. You could also receive compensation for legal fees and, in some cases, reinstatement to your job.

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