Every worker deserves to feel safe, respected, and fairly treated in the workplace. Unfortunately, discrimination is still a reality for many employees in Bloomfield, NJ, and across Essex County. Bias in promotions, unequal pay, wrongful termination, or hostile work environments continue to affect workers despite the strong legal protections that exist in New Jersey.
The good news is that employees do not have to remain silent when discrimination occurs. Both state and federal laws provide powerful tools for protecting workers’ rights and holding employers accountable. If you’ve experienced discrimination in your workplace, you have options for seeking justice.
What Is Workplace Discrimination?
Workplace discrimination happens when an employee is treated unfairly because of a legally protected characteristic. The New Jersey Law Against Discrimination (NJLAD) is one of the strongest state laws in the country and prohibits discrimination based on:
Race or ethnicity
Age (40 and older)
Gender or gender identity
Sexual orientation
Religion
Disability (or perceived disability)
Pregnancy, marital status, or family responsibilities
Discrimination can be obvious, such as firing someone after they disclose a disability, or more subtle, like repeatedly denying promotions to a qualified employee because of their age. Other examples include:
Paying men and women differently for the same work
Mocking religious clothing or refusing reasonable accommodations
Creating a hostile work environment through offensive jokes, slurs, or exclusion
Changing someone’s workload or duties as punishment for filing a complaint
Whether overt or hidden, these actions violate the law when they negatively affect an employee’s job, compensation, or working environment.
Legal Protections for Bloomfield Employees
All employees in Bloomfield—whether part-time, full-time, temporary, or contract workers—are protected by NJLAD. Unlike some federal laws, which apply only to larger employers, NJLAD covers businesses of all sizes.
Federal laws also provide important protections, including:
Title VII of the Civil Rights Act (prohibits workplace discrimination based on race, gender, religion, and more)
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) (prohibits disability discrimination and requires reasonable accommodations)
However, NJLAD is often more expansive. For many Bloomfield workers, this state law provides the strongest path toward justice.
How to Recognize Discrimination at Work
Not all discrimination is obvious. Sometimes, it shows up through patterns of unequal treatment that may be harder to identify at first. Some red flags include:
Being overlooked for promotions without a legitimate reason
Receiving harsher discipline than coworkers for similar conduct
Management ignoring or dismissing your complaints about bias or harassment
A sudden negative change in workload or responsibilities
Being excluded from meetings, projects, or events in ways that suggest bias
If you recognize these patterns in your own experience, you may be facing workplace discrimination.
Steps to Take If You Experience Discrimination
If you suspect that you’re a victim of workplace discrimination in Bloomfield, here are important steps to protect your rights:
Document Everything
Keep a record of incidents, including dates, times, what was said or done, and who was involved. Save emails, text messages, and performance reviews that may support your claim.Report Internally
File a written complaint with Human Resources or your supervisor. Even if you don’t expect much from the company, reporting creates an official record of your concerns.Seek Legal Guidance
Contact an experienced employment lawyer. An attorney can explain your options, help gather evidence, and advise whether to file a complaint with the New Jersey Division on Civil Rights (DCR) or pursue a lawsuit in court.
Taking action quickly is important because deadlines apply to discrimination claims.
Why Having a Lawyer Matters
Employers often deny discrimination or provide vague justifications for their actions. Some may even retaliate against employees who come forward. Navigating this process without legal support can feel overwhelming.
An experienced employment attorney can:
Evaluate whether your case qualifies as unlawful discrimination
Collect and organize evidence to strengthen your claim
Handle communications with your employer or their attorneys
File claims with the DCR or in court
Pursue remedies such as compensation, reinstatement, or damages for emotional distress
At NJ Employment Lawyers, LLC, we have a proven track record of representing employees in Bloomfield and throughout Essex County. We understand how stressful discrimination can be, and we work tirelessly to ensure our clients are treated fairly and lawfully.
If you are looking for skilled Bloomfield discrimination lawyers, our team is ready to stand with you.
Moving Forward After Discrimination
Facing discrimination can be isolating, but you don’t have to deal with it alone. Taking action—by documenting misconduct, reporting it, and seeking legal help—can protect not only your own career but also help create a fairer workplace for others.
Every employee in Bloomfield deserves a workplace where they are valued and respected, free from harassment and bias. By standing up for your rights, you send a message that discrimination has no place in New Jersey workplaces.
Contact NJ Employment Lawyers, LLC
If you’ve been mistreated on the job, now is the time to speak with a knowledgeable attorney who understands both the law and the challenges employees face. Our team at NJ Employment Lawyers, LLC is here to listen, guide you through the process, and fight for the fairness you deserve.
Contact Information:
NJ Employment Lawyers, LLC
101 Eisenhower Pkwy #300
Roseland, NJ 07068
Phone: (973) 358-7027
