New Jersey Employment Law Update

Emergency Responders Employment Protection Act

On January 14, 2010, New Jersey signed into law the Emergency Responders Employment Protection Act.  The Act protects members of volunteer fire companies, first aid, rescue or ambulance squad, or any member of any county or municipal volunteer Office of Emergency Management.  These employees are protected from termination or suspension if the fail to report to work as a result of their service as a volunteer during a state of emergency declared by the President or Governor, or their response to an emergency alarm.

In order for the volunteers to avail themselves of the Act, they are required to provide notice that they will be performing emergency services at least one hour before they were to report to work; and they must provide a copy of the incident report to their employer.

Please contact Castronovo & McKinney if you have any questions regarding your rights and visit our blog for additional information.