The New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development kicked off a campaign to raise awareness of workplace rights across the Garden State in recognition of Labor Day. As part of the Murphy Administration’s commitment to worker protections, the MyWorkRights.nj.gov campaign will focus on educating the public about paid leave, earned sick leave, minimum wage and overtime pay, worker misclassification, and more.
“On Labor Day, workers celebrated across the country – we are excited to use this important holiday to redouble our efforts to empower every New Jersey worker to exercise their rights on the job,” said Labor Commissioner Robert Asaro-Angelo. “With the most workers in our state’s history, we have a responsibility to make sure that each one of them is treated with dignity and respect – regardless of their immigration status. Educating workers on the protections they have earned and deserve is key to achieving this goal.”
The My Work Rights campaign is part of a larger initiative to amplify workplace rights and access to the state’s paid leave protections, arguably some of the most comprehensive in the country. Work rights also include compensation at or above New Jersey’s minimum wage of $15.13 an hour for most workers this calendar year. In addition, non- exempt workers are entitled to overtime pay when they work over 40 hours a week.
Every person who works in New Jersey has the right to be correctly classified as an employee or independent contractor. When an employee is improperly classified as an independent contractor, they unlawfully lose out on key employment-based rights and protections.
New Jersey Department of Labor’s aim to raise public awareness around workplace rights began last year through grassroots outreach in communities across the state. The My Work Rights campaign increases public education efforts to ensure that every worker is aware of their rights, benefits and protections – regardless of their immigration status, how much they earn, or if they work full or part time.
