Service members make enormous sacrifices for our country—and they deserve respect and equal treatment when they return to the workforce. Unfortunately, some employers still discriminate against employees or job applicants because of past, present, or upcoming military service. If this has happened to you in Berkeley Heights, Castronovo & McKinney, Employment Law Attorneys are here to help defend your rights and your career.

What Is Military Service Discrimination?

Military service discrimination occurs when an individual is treated unfairly by an employer because of their status as a current or former member of the U.S. Armed Forces, National Guard, or Reserves. This includes bias against taking military leave or participating in required training exercises.

Examples Include:

  • Failing to hire or promote someone because of their service history
  • Firing an employee for taking time off for military duty
  • Harassing or ridiculing service members in the workplace
  • Refusing to reinstate a service member returning from deployment

Your Legal Protections

Several laws protect service members from workplace discrimination:

  • Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act (USERRA): A federal law that protects the job rights of individuals who voluntarily or involuntarily leave employment to undertake military service.
  • New Jersey Law Against Discrimination (NJLAD): Prohibits discrimination based on military status or obligation.

Rights Under USERRA Include:

  • Reemployment in the same or similar position after military leave
  • Protection from discharge without cause for a period after reemployment
  • Retention of seniority, benefits, and status

What to Do If You’re Being Discriminated Against

  • Document all discriminatory actions or comments related to your service
  • Maintain records of your military leave requests and employer responses
  • Report mistreatment to your HR department or a supervisor
  • Consult an experienced employment attorney to review your legal rights

Legal Help for Military Employees in Berkeley Heights

Castronovo & McKinney, Employment Law Attorneys are proud to stand with our nation’s service members. Their legal team has the experience and dedication to challenge unlawful treatment and ensure you’re respected for your service—not punished for it.

Contact Castronovo & McKinney Today

If you’ve been discriminated against because of your military service, don’t wait. Contact Castronovo & McKinney today for a confidential consultation and take the first step toward reclaiming your rights and restoring your career.

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