Fighting Military Service Discrimination in the Workplace: Know Your Rights

Service members and veterans dedicate their lives to protecting our country, and they deserve to be treated with respect and fairness when they return to civilian life. Unfortunately, some employers engage in discriminatory practices against individuals because of their military service or veteran status. If you’ve experienced this kind of unfair treatment, an experienced employment lawyer can help you defend your rights and seek justice.

What is Military Service Discrimination?

Military service discrimination occurs when an employer treats an employee or job applicant unfairly because of their current or past military service, status as a veteran, or obligations related to military duty. This type of discrimination is prohibited under the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act (USERRA) and the New Jersey Law Against Discrimination (NJLAD), which provide strong protections for service members and veterans.

Examples of Military Service Discrimination in the Workplace

• Hiring Bias: Refusing to hire a qualified candidate because they are in the military reserves or have prior military service.
• Unfair Termination: Firing or demoting an employee because they need time off for military training or deployment.
• Failure to Reemploy: Not reinstating an employee to their previous position after returning from military service, as required by law.
• Harassment: Making derogatory comments or jokes about an employee’s military background.
• Denial of Benefits: Refusing to provide the same benefits to service members that are offered to other employees.

How an Employment Lawyer Can Help

If you believe you’ve been a victim of military service discrimination, an employment lawyer can provide crucial support to protect your rights. Here’s how they can help:

1. Legal Consultation: Reviewing your case to determine if your rights under USERRA or NJLAD have been violated.
2. Evidence Gathering: Assisting in collecting documentation, performance records, and witness statements to build a strong case.
3. Filing Complaints: Helping you file complaints with the appropriate government agencies or pursuing legal action in court.
4. Negotiating Settlements: Advocating for compensation, job reinstatement, and other remedies to address the discrimination.
5. Litigation: Representing you in court if the case cannot be resolved through negotiation, ensuring your voice is heard.

Why Choose Castronovo & McKinney?

When facing military service discrimination, you need attorneys who are not only knowledgeable about the law but also deeply committed to protecting the rights of service members. Castronovo & McKinney, Employment Law Attorneys have a proven track record of advocating for military personnel and veterans across New Jersey. They are dedicated to ensuring that service members receive the respect and fair treatment they deserve in the workplace.

Stand Up for Your Rights—Take Action Today

If you’ve experienced discrimination due to your military service, don’t wait to take action. An experienced employment lawyer can help you understand your rights, build a strong case, and fight for the justice you deserve.

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