Legal Question in Employment Law in New Jersey

So i was terminated from my job for confronting the boss about putting my employee number on vehicles that i didnt work on, her reply was " this is my bussiness and if you dont like it you can leave", can anything be done about this?


Asked on 7/10/12, 8:14 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys

Barry Gartenberg Barry F. Gartenberg LLC

Possibly, if the display of an employee number on a vehicle constitutes a violation of public policy (for example, perhaps, if the number is the employee's Social Security Number). But, in general, employment in New Jersey is: At-Will. This means that an employer can hire, fire, replace personnel, change work assignments, promote/demote, change compensation and benefits, etc. at any time, for good, bad or no reason, and without advanced notice. There are many exceptions to the rule. For example, it is illegal to base such decisions in violation of public policy, based on an individual�s membership in a protected classification (i.e., illegal discrimination), or in retaliation for an individual engaging in protected activity (e.g., �whistle-blowing�) or his/her refusal to engage in illegal activity. Similarly, if an employer and employee have agreed to specific employment terms and conditions (i.e., entered into a contract), both parties must abide by the agreement or face a potential lawsuit. Of course, determining whether your circumstances fall within one of these or the many other exceptions to the At-Will rule will require much more discussion. Please feel free to contact me ASAP so that we may explore your options and protect your legal rights. 973-921-0600. Please visit my website - www.bgartenberg.com - or call me if you'd like to learn more about me or my practice. You can also find me on LinkedIn, Facebook and Twitter. Thank you.

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Answered on 7/11/12, 11:01 am


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