Family Responsibilities Discrimination: Protecting Caregivers in New Jersey Workplaces

Balancing a career with caregiving duties is a reality for countless workers in New Jersey. Whether it’s raising children, caring for an aging parent, or supporting a spouse with a medical condition, family responsibilities are a part of life. Unfortunately, some employers discriminate against workers who shoulder these duties—leading to lost opportunities, reduced hours, or even job termination.

This unfair treatment is called family responsibilities discrimination, or caregiver discrimination. While not always labeled explicitly in employment laws, this form of bias can still be unlawful under various state and federal protections. At NJ Employment Lawyers, LLC, we are proud to fight for the rights of caregivers who face workplace discrimination or retaliation.

What Is Family Responsibilities Discrimination?

Family responsibilities discrimination (FRD) occurs when an employer treats an employee unfavorably because they have caregiving duties. It’s often rooted in stereotypes—such as the belief that parents, particularly mothers, are less committed to their jobs, or that employees caring for elderly relatives are unreliable.

Examples of FRD include:

• Refusing to hire or promote a worker because they have young children
• Cutting hours or changing schedules for employees returning from parental leave
• Disciplining or firing an employee who needs to take time off for family medical emergencies
• Making negative comments about a worker’s ability to “balance” work and family
• Retaliating against someone for requesting time off for caregiving under leave laws

Legal Protections for Caregivers in New Jersey

While there is no single law called the “Caregiver Discrimination Act,” various laws protect caregivers from different angles. In New Jersey, these include:

• NJLAD (New Jersey Law Against Discrimination) – Prohibits discrimination based on sex, gender, marital status, and pregnancy, which can encompass caregiver-related bias.
• FMLA (Family and Medical Leave Act) – Grants eligible employees up to 12 weeks of unpaid, job-protected leave to care for a seriously ill family member or newborn.
• NJFLA (New Jersey Family Leave Act) – Similar to the FMLA, it provides job-protected leave specifically for family caregiving purposes.

Employers who punish, demote, or fire employees for taking leave under these statutes—or who make job decisions based on family status—can be held legally liable.

Spotting the Signs of Discrimination

Family responsibilities discrimination can be subtle, making it difficult for workers to identify. Common warning signs include:

• Receiving different treatment after announcing a pregnancy or family obligation
• Being passed over for projects with no clear explanation
• Hearing remarks about your “priorities” or “availability” due to caregiving
• Facing increased scrutiny or discipline compared to co-workers without family responsibilities

If your employer’s treatment toward you changed after they learned of your family obligations, it may not be a coincidence—and you may have a valid legal claim.

How NJ Employment Lawyers, LLC Can Help

At NJ Employment Lawyers, LLC, we’ve helped numerous caregivers across New Jersey stand up against unfair treatment in the workplace. We’ll assess whether your rights under New Jersey or federal law have been violated and guide you through every step of the legal process—from filing a complaint to pursuing litigation if necessary.

We understand the pressures that come with juggling caregiving and employment, and we’re here to help lift that burden by advocating fiercely on your behalf.

If you believe you’re facing caregiver discrimination in New Jersey, contact us today to discuss your situation and learn how we can help protect your rights.

Contact NJ Employment Lawyers, LLC

Address:
101 Eisenhower Pkwy #300
Roseland, NJ 07068

Phone: (973) 358-7027

About Us:
NJ Employment Lawyers, LLC provides experienced legal counsel to New Jersey workers facing discrimination, retaliation, wrongful termination, and other employment law violations. When your job security is impacted by your role as a caregiver, we are here to ensure your rights are respected.