On Aug. 6, 2019, New Jersey Acting Gov. Sheila Oliver signed a new “wage theft” law that expands the fines, penalties, and damages to be imposed for violations of the state’s wage payment law for an extended six-year statute of limitations period. The law takes effect immediately. In this GT Alert we explore the new law’s civil and criminal penalties for violators, additional retaliation protection, the expansive application of the new law, and key takeaways for employers.

Click here for the full GT Alert.

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Photo of Kristine Feher Kristine Feher

Kristine J. Feher is an experienced employment litigator and trial attorney, whose practice focuses on representing employers and managers in employment discrimination and wrongful discharge cases arising under employment laws. In addition, she litigates wage payment and overtime compensation claims (including class actions)…

Kristine J. Feher is an experienced employment litigator and trial attorney, whose practice focuses on representing employers and managers in employment discrimination and wrongful discharge cases arising under employment laws. In addition, she litigates wage payment and overtime compensation claims (including class actions) under the Fair Labor Standards Act and state laws. She also has wide-ranging experience in defending claims of breach of contract, infliction of emotional distress, and many other employment-related claims; and counsels franchisors regarding employment issues, including avoiding joint employer status with franchisees.

Kris assists clients in a variety of labor and employment matters including conducting workplace training; drafting policies and handbooks; ensuring wage and hour compliance; advising on performance management, terminations, and reductions in force; and defending Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) and state fair employment practice agency charges. Kris prides herself on offering advice that is both practical and consistent with the employer’s business goals and culture.

Photo of Wendy Lario Wendy Lario

Wendy Johnson Lario Chairs the New Jersey Labor & Employment Practice and Co-Chairs the firm’s Labor & Employment Practice’s Employment Litigation & Trials group. She represents employers in litigation involving claims of discrimination, harassment, retaliation, wrongful termination and whistleblowing, among others. She appears

Wendy Johnson Lario Chairs the New Jersey Labor & Employment Practice and Co-Chairs the firm’s Labor & Employment Practice’s Employment Litigation & Trials group. She represents employers in litigation involving claims of discrimination, harassment, retaliation, wrongful termination and whistleblowing, among others. She appears regularly in federal and state courts in New Jersey and New York and defends employers against charges filed with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), the New Jersey Division on Civil Rights (NJDCR) and the New York Division of Human Rights (NYDHR). Wendy also provides advice and training to management and in-house counsel on employment issues, including hiring, firing, harassment, misconduct, leave and attendance, employee accommodations, employment and severance agreements, executive contracts, independent contractors, internal investigations, background checks, employee handbooks and policies, social networking, reductions in force, and employer requirements under identity theft statutes. She has represented companies in the telecommunications, retail, automotive, pharmaceutical, consumer electronics and chemical industries, among others.

Wendy has appeared on national television, including CBS’s The Early Show and CNN’s Lou Dobbs Tonight. She has commented on employment law issues in The Wall Street Journal, Philadelphia Inquirer, New Jersey Law Journal, Star-Ledger, The Record, the Courier News, New Jersey Business, NJ Biz and the Asbury Park Press.

Wendy lectures extensively and conducts seminars and training sessions concerning numerous employment law issues, including anti-discrimination laws, wrongful discharge, sexual and other harassment, and diversity training. She also trains and lectures on women’s leadership, performance management, social networking, state and federal laws, including Title VII, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the Age Discrimination in Employment Act, New Jersey’s Law Against Discrimination, New York’s Human Rights Act, the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), New Jersey’s Family Leave Act, and New Jersey’s Conscientious Employee Protection Act.