The New Jersey Conscientious Employee Protection Act (CEPA), also known as the New Jersey Whistleblower Act, is a state law that provides protection for employees who report or refuse to participate in illegal or unethical activities by their employers.

Under CEPA, an employee who reports or threatens to report an employer’s illegal or unethical activities, or who refuses to participate in such activities, is protected from retaliation by their employer. Retaliation can include termination, demotion, harassment, or any other adverse employment action.

In addition, CEPA provides a private cause of action for employees who have suffered retaliation for whistleblowing, and allows for remedies including reinstatement, back pay, and other damages.

CEPA covers all employers in the state, regardless of size, and protects all employees who report or refuse to participate in illegal or unethical activities, whether they are full-time, part-time, or temporary employees.

To be protected under CEPA, an employee must have a good faith belief that their employer’s conduct is illegal, fraudulent, or against public policy. In addition, the employee must report the conduct to a supervisor, a government agency, or another appropriate authority.

If you believe you have been retaliated against for whistleblowing or refusing to participate in illegal or unethical activities by your employer in New Jersey, you may have legal options under CEPA. You can contact an employment law attorney or the New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development for more information about your rights under the law.