Scarinci Hollenbeck, LLC
The Firm
201-896-4100 info@sh-law.comFirm Insights
Author: Scarinci Hollenbeck, LLC
Date: August 5, 2013
The Firm
201-896-4100 info@sh-law.comThe case, Battaglia v. UPS, involved the demotion of Plaintiff Michael Battaglia. As noted by the court:
“…the allegations in the complaint can be divided into three categories. The first allegation concerned plaintiff’s complaints about offensive and inappropriate sexual and gender-based comments he attributed to his supervisor…The second allegation concerned plaintiff’s complaint about improper business lunch practices and the related misuse of company credit cards by other employees. The third allegation related to a letter that plaintiff sent anonymously to the corporate Human Resources manager raising those and other complaints.
Mr. Battaglia alleged that he suffered a demotion because of his complaints. UPS maintained that its employment decision was justified by plaintiff’s violation of company confidentiality policies, his abusive treatment of other employees, and insubordination. Battaglia’s lawsuit included retaliation claims under both the LAD and CEPA.
As to the LAD retaliation claim, the court ruled that an employee who allegedly suffers a retaliatory employment action is only required to demonstrate a “good-faith” belief that the complained-of employer conduct violates the LAD. “[W]hen an employee voices a complaint about behavior or activities in the workplace that he or she thinks are discriminatory, we do not demand … that he or she be able to prove that there was an identifiable discriminatory impact upon someone of the requisite protected class” the court concluded.
As for the future emotional distress claims under the LAD, the court found that expert testimony would be required. “[A]lthough the humiliation, embarrassment and indignity suffered by the LAD plaintiff during the events complained of is obvious, once remedied through a verdict, any claim that those effects will endure so as to support a future award must be proven by credible, competent evidence lest that verdict be the product of speculation,” Justice Helen Hoens explained.
With regard to Battaglia’s CEPA claim, the court ruled that in order to succeed on a fraud-based CEPA claim, a plaintiff must reasonably believe that the complained-of activity was occurring and was fraudulent: “That is, the statute does not protect employees whose complaints are directed to minor or trivial matters.”
The decision offers both good news and bad news for New Jersey employers. While the standard for bringing a retaliation claim under the LAD may be lower, claims of future emotional distress will require expert testimony. In addition, the court clarified that CEPA is intended to combat seriously fraudulent or criminal conduct and not more trivial matters.
If you have any questions about this case or would like to discuss the legal issues involved, please contact me, Gary Young, or the Scarinci Hollenbeck attorney with whom you work.
No Aspect of the advertisement has been approved by the Supreme Court. Results may vary depending on your particular facts and legal circumstances.
Earlier this month, the U.S. Supreme Court issued a decision in Ames v. Ohio Department of Youth Services vitiating the so-called “background circumstances” test required by half of federal circuit courts.1 The background circumstances test required majority group plaintiffs pleading discrimination under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act to meet a heightened pleading standard […]
Author: Matthew F. Mimnaugh
Special purpose acquisition companies (better known as SPACs) appear to be making a comeback. SPAC offerings for 2025 have already nearly surpassed last year’s totals, with additional transactions in the pipeline. SPACs last experienced a boom between 2020–2021, with approximately 600 U.S. companies raising a record $163 billion in 2021. Notable companies that went public […]
Author: Dan Brecher
Merging two companies is a complex legal and business transaction. A short form merger, in which an acquiring company merges with a subsidiary corporation, offers a more streamlined process that involves important corporate governance considerations. A short form merger, in which an acquiring company merges with a subsidiary corporation, offers a more streamlined process. However, […]
Author: Dan Brecher
The Trump Administration’s new tariffs are having an oversized impact on small businesses, which already tend to operate on razor thin margins. Many businesses have been forced to raise prices, find new suppliers, lay off staff, and delay growth plans. For businesses facing even more dire financial circumstances, there are additional tariff response options, including […]
Author: Brian D. Spector
Business partnerships, much like marriages, function exceptionally well when partners are aligned but can become challenging when disagreements arise. Partnership disputes often stem from conflicts over business strategy, financial management, and unclear role definitions among partners. Understanding Business Partnership Conflicts Partnership conflicts place significant stress on businesses, making proactive measures essential. Partnerships should establish detailed […]
Author: Christopher D. Warren
*** The original article was featured on Bloomberg Tax, April 28, 2025 — As a tax attorney who spends much of my time helping people and companies who have large, unresolved issues with the IRS or one or more state tax departments, it often occurs to me that the best service that I can provide […]
Author: Scott H. Novak
No Aspect of the advertisement has been approved by the Supreme Court. Results may vary depending on your particular facts and legal circumstances.
Consider subscribing to our Firm Insights mailing list by clicking the button below so you can keep up to date with the firm`s latest articles covering various legal topics.
Stay informed and inspired with the latest updates, insights, and events from Scarinci Hollenbeck. Our resource library provides valuable content across a range of categories to keep you connected and ahead of the curve.
Let`s get in touch!
Sign up to get the latest from the Scarinci Hollenbeck, LLC attorneys!