Mean Bosses: Being Fired for No Reason Is Perfectly Legal in NJ

Have you ever worked for a really mean boss? As an employee in New Jersey do you have the legal right to expect a comfortable or at least a courteous work environment? The answer may surprise you.

While it is true that harassment in the workplace is illegal when based on such criteria as age, color, disability, certain genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, and a few other categories, it is otherwise perfectly legal. So, your boss, or co-workers, or supervisor, or whomever at work can legally be difficult, discourteous, annoying, and even obnoxious with impunity.

This news may astound some people. After all, we hear all the time about workplace harassment suits. We read about them in the news. We see them on TV. With all these examples, it is just so counterintuitive to believe that it is not illegal for your boss or supervisor to be a jerk, but that’s the law. The stories on the news usually involve a protected class like those listed above. As for the examples which come from popular culture, TV shows, movies and such, those are often sheer fiction.

The fact is, in New Jersey, your boss can be such a jerk that, on a whim, you can be fired. You see, New Jersey is an at-will employment law state. So, if your boss decides to fire you without giving you a reason, so long at the real reason is not an attack on a legally protected class (say you were a whistleblower), than the firing is perfectly legal.

Wrongful Termination: Finding Protections Within At-Will Employment Scenarios

So, what can you do to protect yourself and your job? First, although the law may not protect you, an employee manual may offer some protections. Second, if you have a contract, the terms of that contract will govern your workplace protections. Third, learn how to interact with your boss. Everyone has their own management and communication style and even if you and your boss clash on these points, it is beneficial to seek to understand your supervisor’s perspective. In this way, you can avoid initiating unintended conflicts.

If you have any job-related legal matters, the law firm of Gruber, Colabella, Liuzza and Thompson is available to help. We offer a free consultation and expert advice so contact us today.