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What to Do if Your Employer Discriminates Against You Because of Your Weight

Move to Michigan!

I hate to be so blunt, but that seems to be the best solution given a recent New Jersey Superior Court decision permitting weight discrimination in the workplace.

Those who are discriminated against in New Jersey workplaces are protected by state and federal laws against discrimination based on:

  • Race
  • National origin
  • Age
  • Sexual orientation
  • Gender
  • Pregnancy
  • Disability
  • Religion

The recent weight discrimination case was brought against the Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa in Atlantic City. Twenty-two cocktail servers, known as Borgata Babes, sued Borgata because they were required to periodically be weighed. Some were even suspended when their weights exceeded seven percent more than the weights they were when they were hired.

The court ruled in favor of Borgata because the plaintiffs all signed applications consenting to the weigh-ins and acknowledging that they could be suspended for weight gain of seven percent or more. The judge noted that all candidates for the position were provided with a brochure describing the Borgata Babe position, stating:

  • “They’re beautiful. They’re charming. And they’re bringing drinks.”
  • “Part fashion model, part beverage server, part charming host and hostess. All impossibly lovely.”

By the way, Michigan is the only state in the nation that passed a law prohibiting weight discrimination. That law has been on the books since 1976.

So no matter what position you’re seeking, if your employer hires you and expects you to maintain a certain weight, you had better watch your weight to keep your job. Unless you work in Michigan.

If your employer is engaging in discrimination against you, speak with an experienced discrimination lawyer to learn what your rights are under New Jersey and federal laws.

 

Neil  H.  Deutsch Attorney Photo
Neil H. Deutsch
Retired

Neil H. Deutsch has been practicing law for over 35 years and is known as a skilled negotiator in employment and discrimination law. He believes in a bottom-line approach of risk analysis and cost effectiveness for his clients. "Case evaluation is something we take seriously," says Mr. Deutsch who seeks top net dollar for his…

Bruce  L.  Atkins Attorney Photo
Bruce L. Atkins
Senior Partner

Bruce L. Atkins is regarded as one of New Jersey’s premier practitioners of employment and civil litigation. He has been selected to the New Jersey Super Lawyers prestigious list every year since 2005.  This honor, bestowed upon a recipient by the votes of his peers, is a powerful nod to the skill Mr. Atkins brings…

Adam  J.  Kleinfeldt Attorney Photo
Adam J. Kleinfeldt
Partner

Adam J. Kleinfeldt joined Deutsch Atkins & Kleinfeldt, P.C. in March of 2015.  He primarily represents individuals in employment litigations such as discrimination, retaliation, and whistle blowing matters.  He has extensive experience in all phases of the litigation process. Adam has obtained significant results for some of his clients, including a $525,000 jury verdict in…

Diane  Englander  Peyser Attorney Photo
Diane Englander Peyser
Attorney

Diane Englander Peyser joined Deutsch Atkins & Kleinfeldt, P.C. in September 2018 where she represents employees in wrongful termination, retaliation, harassment, and discrimination matters. Prior to joining Deutsch Atkins & Kleinfeldt, P.C., Diane represented clients in all aspects of employment law on behalf of employees involving unemployment appeals, claims of sexual harassment, LGBT discrimination, disability…

Debra M. McGarvey Attorney Photo
Debra M. McGarvey
Attorney

Debra M. McGarvey joined Deutsch Atkins & Kleinfeldt, P.C. in December 2019. She has extensive experience defending employees and employers in state and federal court in employment litigation matters. She has represented clients on various issues arising out of the New Jersey Law Against Discrimination (NJLAD), the New Jersey Conscientious Employee Protection Act (CEPA), the…

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