In order to guarantee that all workers are given a safe and welcoming workplace free from harassment and discrimination, laws have been enacted to safeguard the rights of those in the workforce. In the United States, workers are entitled to a workplace free from discrimination and where they can enjoy other protections guaranteed by law.
Workplace discrimination based on a person’s race, colour, religion, sex, gender, or national origin is illegal under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. Importantly, the Act forbids any kind of retaliation against workers who oppose unlawful treatment on the job, file complaints with administrative agencies like the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), speak out against harassment, or assist with investigations.
State laws also exist to protect workers in addition to federal legislation. The state of New Jersey has laws in place to safeguard workers who blow the whistle from any form of reprisal. The Conscientious Employee Protection Act (CEPA), sometimes known as the Whistleblower Act, is the primary statute in New Jersey that protects workers from retaliation. To know things more in-depth, visit this page.
All New Jersey workers should not only be aware of their rights, but also know what to do if those rights are violated. Consequently, it is prudent to examine the safeguards put in place by the state of New Jersey for its workforce.
Who Exactly Is a Whistleblower?
A whistleblower is an employee who goes to the police or higher-ups within their firm to disclose wrongdoing. One or more workers may lodge a formal or informal complaint with the corporation, expressing their dissatisfaction in words or on paper. Some people may choose to file a formal complaint with an external entity that has the authority to investigate and/or rectify the injustice.
To what extent do I enjoy the CEPA’s safeguards?
The CEPA forbids any form of retaliation by an employer or coworker against an employee. Employees who, in essence, speak out against misconduct committed against them, other employees, or the wider public are protected under this rule. As a quick summary, the CEPA exists to protect employees who disclose illegal acts as whistleblowers against retaliation from their employers or other coworkers.
