On September 14, 2004, Governor McGreevey amended New Jersey’s Conscientious Employee Protection Act (“CEPA”), the “whistleblower law,” to require annual written notice to employees of their rights under CEPA.  The amendment, entitled “Notice of Worker Rights,” requires employers to conspicuously display and annually distribute a notice of employees’ protections, obligations, rights and procedures under CEPA.  The notice must be both in English and a language spoken by a majority of the employees.  The Act was effective immediately.

CEPA is only the latest example of the importance of having written employment policies, both to ensure compliance with the law and prevent personnel problems.  Employers should ensure that they have proper CEPA notices in their employee handbooks, and that they distribute and post the notice in a conspicuous place, such as a cafeteria.  Employers are also well-advised to update their other employment handbooks and policies regarding the family and medical leave act, sexual harassment, equal employment opportunities, and workplace violence, to name a few.