As seen in NJBIZ and on NJBIZ.com, February 25, 2019
A bill now on Gov. Murphy’s desk could change the way employers deal with sexual harassment and discrimination cases
Amid the nationwide #MeToo movement and a local scandal highlighting some of the issues that sparked the public outcry, New Jersey could soon join New York, California and Washington in prohibiting non-disclosure agreements in workplace sexual harassment and discrimination cases.
The New Jersey measure, Senate Bill 121 was sent to Gov. Phil Murphy’s desk on Feb. 1 and is awaiting his signature or veto.
Many non-disclosure agreements (NDAs) require an accuser to never reveal any details of an incident in exchange for a financial settlement achieved through arbitration rather than in court. Proponents of S121 argue that employers have used NDAs to silence victims of sexual assault, allowing alleged wrongdoers to continue harming other employees. But some employment law experts suggest that the bill goes too far and could limit options for both employers and accusers. In addition, if Murphy signs the bill, a court challenge could follow in short order.
Read the article in its entirety here – on NJBIZ.com.
