Published by NJ Employment Lawyers, LLC
Members of the United States Armed Forces make tremendous sacrifices to serve their country. When they return to civilian life or balance military duties with employment, they should never face discrimination because of their service. Unfortunately, military service discrimination remains a problem in workplaces throughout New Jersey.
NJ Employment Lawyers, LLC proudly represents service members, veterans, and reservists who face bias or mistreatment from employers. Our legal team is committed to defending your rights and ensuring that your service is honored—not punished—in the workplace.
What Is Military Service Discrimination?
Military service discrimination occurs when an employer treats an employee or applicant unfairly because of their current, past, or future military obligations. This may include:
- Refusing to hire a candidate who is in the reserves or National Guard
- Firing or demoting an employee who is called to active duty
- Denying promotions or raises to veterans
- Harassing or isolating employees who have served in the military
This type of discrimination is not only morally wrong—it’s illegal under both federal and state law.
Legal Protections for Military Members
Several laws protect individuals from military service discrimination:
- Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act (USERRA): A federal law that guarantees reemployment rights and prohibits discrimination against service members.
- New Jersey Law Against Discrimination (NJLAD): Includes military status as a protected category, making it unlawful to treat employees unfairly based on their service.
These laws ensure that military personnel can return to their civilian jobs after deployment and are not disadvantaged because of their service commitments.
Recognizing the Signs of Discrimination
If you’ve experienced any of the following, you may be facing unlawful discrimination:
- Comments or jokes about your military background or service-related disabilities
- Sudden changes in job responsibilities or status after disclosing military involvement
- Being excluded from key projects or meetings
- Negative performance reviews not supported by evidence
Discrimination can be subtle or overt, but any action that penalizes you for serving your country may warrant legal action.
How We Can Help
At NJ Employment Lawyers, LLC, we take pride in helping service members understand and assert their legal rights. Our attorneys will:
- Review your employment history and documentation
- Determine whether your rights under USERRA or NJLAD have been violated
- Pursue compensation for lost wages, emotional distress, and other damages
- Hold your employer accountable for discriminatory practices
You served our country with honor—now let us serve you with skilled legal representation. Learn more by visiting our dedicated page on military service discrimination in New Jersey workplaces.
