Veterans and active-duty service members have made tremendous sacrifices to serve their country, and they deserve to be treated with respect and fairness in the workplace. Unfortunately, military service discrimination still occurs in various industries. If you’re a military service member or veteran in Brigantine facing unfair treatment at work, you should know that there are strong laws in place to protect your rights.
What Is Military Service Discrimination?
Military service discrimination occurs when an employer treats an individual unfavorably because of their current or past military status. This may include:
- Refusing to hire or promote someone because of their service obligations
- Terminating employment due to upcoming deployment
- Failing to reinstate an employee returning from military leave
- Harassing or stereotyping individuals based on their military background
Legal Protections for Military Personnel
Several state and federal laws protect against military service discrimination:
- Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act (USERRA): A federal law that ensures service members can return to their civilian jobs after military duty and prohibits discrimination based on military obligations.
- New Jersey Law Against Discrimination (NJLAD): Provides state-level protections for veterans and active-duty service members against unfair treatment in employment based on military status.
Employers in Brigantine must comply with these laws and cannot retaliate against employees who assert their rights under USERRA or NJLAD.
Signs of Military Service Discrimination
Examples of unlawful treatment might include:
- Not being rehired after a leave of absence for military service
- Negative comments about your availability due to training or deployment
- Being passed over for projects or advancement because of assumptions about your time commitment
What You Should Do
If you believe you are being discriminated against due to your military service, take the following steps:
- Document every incident, including dates, witnesses, and communication
- Report the behavior to HR or your supervisor in writing
- Preserve emails, schedules, or memos related to your service and job duties
- Consult with an employment attorney to evaluate your case
Legal Help for Brigantine Employees
Castronovo & McKinney, Employment Law Attorneys proudly support the men and women who have served or are currently serving in the U.S. Armed Forces. If you’re experiencing discrimination in the workplace due to your military status, their experienced legal team in Brigantine is ready to help you pursue justice and protect your future.
Contact Castronovo & McKinney Today
You served your country with honor—now let us help serve you. Contact Castronovo & McKinney for a confidential consultation to ensure your employment rights are respected and enforced.
New Jersey Office:
71 Maple Ave
Morristown, NJ 07960
Phone: 973.920.7888
Fax: 973.920.7924
New York Office:
420 Lexington Avenue, Suite 1830
New York, NY 10170
Phone: 646.755.3781
Fax: 646.755.3781
