Section 34:8A-10.1 - Retaliatory action against worker for exercise of legal right; prohibition; presumption; liability

NJ Rev Stat § 34:8A-10.1 (2019) (N/A)
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34:8A-10.1. Retaliatory action against worker for exercise of legal right; prohibition; presumption; liability

It shall be unlawful for any crew leader to terminate, suspend, demote, transfer, or take adverse action against any past, present or prospective seasonal farm worker in retaliation for the exercise by such seasonal farm worker of any right secured under the laws and regulations of the State or Federal Government.

A rebuttable presumption that an action is retaliatory shall arise from any termination, suspension, demotion or taking of adverse action on the part of the crew leader which action occurs within a period of 60 days following any act by a seasonal farm worker to exercise any right secured under the provisions of this act or under the laws and regulations of the State or any agency or political subdivision thereof which establish the rights of persons engaged in farm labor or which establish duties of employers of persons engaged in farm labor.

Any person aggrieved hereunder may maintain a civil action against the crew leader. Any crew leader found to have violated this act shall be liable to such person aggrieved for full reinstatement and for back wages accumulated during the period of such unlawful retaliation and to exemplary damages in treble the amount of back wages found due, and for costs and attorney's fees.

L.1975, c. 49, s. 6, eff. April 7, 1975.