Fighting Marital Status Discrimination in Egg Harbor Township
Employees deserve to be judged based on their skills, experience, and job performance—not their personal lives. Unfortunately, marital status discrimination still occurs in many workplaces, where employees are treated unfairly based on whether they are single, married, divorced, widowed, or in a civil union. If you’ve experienced discrimination related to your marital status in Egg Harbor Township, you have legal rights. An experienced employment lawyer can help you fight for justice and protect your rights.
What is Marital Status Discrimination?
Marital status discrimination occurs when an employer treats an employee or job applicant unfavorably because of their marital status. This includes discrimination against individuals who are:
- Single
- Married
- Divorced or separated
- Widowed
- In a civil union or domestic partnership
Discrimination can occur in hiring decisions, promotions, job assignments, pay, benefits, and other aspects of employment.
Legal Protections Against Marital Status Discrimination
While there is no federal law that specifically prohibits marital status discrimination, New Jersey provides strong legal protections:
- New Jersey Law Against Discrimination (NJLAD): Explicitly prohibits discrimination based on marital status in all employment-related matters. This means employers in New Jersey cannot make decisions about hiring, promotions, or other job conditions based on an employee’s marital status.
Examples of Marital Status Discrimination in the Workplace
Marital status discrimination can take many forms, both subtle and overt. Common examples include:
- Hiring Bias: Refusing to hire someone because they are married, single, or divorced.
- Promotion Denials: Overlooking qualified candidates for promotions based on assumptions about their family obligations.
- Unequal Pay: Paying single employees less than their married counterparts, or vice versa.
- Harassment: Making derogatory comments or jokes about someone’s marital status.
- Benefit Denials: Refusing to provide spousal benefits to employees in civil unions or domestic partnerships.
- Retaliation: Punishing an employee for complaining about marital status discrimination or supporting a colleague’s complaint.
Recognizing Subtle Signs of Discrimination
Discrimination isn’t always obvious. Some subtle signs include:
- Assumptions that married employees are more “stable” or committed than single employees
- Being passed over for travel opportunities because of family obligations
- Unfair workload distribution based on assumptions about an employee’s personal life
- Negative performance reviews after a change in marital status, such as divorce or remarriage
What to Do If You Experience Marital Status Discrimination
If you believe you’ve been subjected to marital status discrimination, take the following steps to protect your rights:
- Document the Discrimination: Keep detailed records of discriminatory incidents, including dates, times, individuals involved, and any witnesses.
- Review Company Policies: Check your employer’s anti-discrimination policies to understand how to report issues internally.
- File an Internal Complaint: Report the discrimination to your HR department or supervisor, and follow up in writing to create a record.
- Seek Legal Advice: If your complaint is ignored or if you face retaliation, consult an experienced employment lawyer to explore your legal options.
How an Employment Lawyer Can Help
Proving marital status discrimination can be challenging, especially when employers justify their actions with non-discriminatory reasons. An experienced employment lawyer can:
- Evaluate your case to determine if your rights were violated under New Jersey law
- Help gather evidence, such as emails, performance reviews, and witness statements
- File complaints with the New Jersey Division on Civil Rights (DCR)
- Negotiate settlements for lost wages, emotional distress, and punitive damages
- Represent you in court if your case proceeds to litigation
Why Choose Castronovo & McKinney?
When facing marital status discrimination in the workplace, you need legal advocates committed to Protecting Your Rights. Castronovo & McKinney, LLC has extensive experience representing employees in discrimination cases throughout Egg Harbor Township and New Jersey. Their legal team is dedicated to holding employers accountable and securing justice for individuals who have experienced unfair treatment based on their marital status.
Take Action Today—Don’t Let Marital Status Discrimination Go Unchallenged
Your marital status should never affect your job opportunities or workplace treatment. If you’ve experienced marital status discrimination in the workplace, don’t hesitate to seek legal support. Contact Castronovo & McKinney today to schedule a consultation and protect your rights.
Contact Information
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
