Have questions about employment practices?

The MEL Safety Institute is pleased to announce the establishment of a New MEL Employment Practices Helpline (EPL), a dedicated resource to guide members on employment related issues.

The MEL EPL Helpline is staffed by attorneys that specialize in New Jersey employment law and understand the MEL JIF system.  The three law firms staffing the EPL Helpline are affiliated with local Joint Insurance Funds (JIFs).  

Who can use the EPL Helpline?  MEL member municipalities will select and approve two individuals to use the helpline.

What hours is the EPL Helpline available? The helpline will be staffed during normal business hours, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.  Voicemail can be left after hours for a callback.

What kinds of issues can be addressed?  Any employment related topics or policies and procedures related to issues such as:

  • Hiring
  • Termination
  • Harassment
  • Discrimination
  • Promotion/Demotion
  • And more…

What are the MEL EPL Helpline numbers? MEL members can choose to call any of the MEL EPL Helpline firms listed below.

  • Helpline 732-583-7474:  Jodi Howlett, Cleary Giacobbe Alfieri Jacobs LLC, 955 State Route 34, Suite 200, Matawan, NJ 07747
  • Helpline 609-522-5599:  David S. DeWeese, The DeWeese Law Firm, 3200 Pacific AvenueWildwood, New Jersey 08260
  • Helpline 973-334-1900: Fred Semrau, Dorsey & Semrau, 714 Main Street, Boonton, NJ 07005

What happens after the call? The attorney will provide the member with a transcript of the call that includes recommendations. If the issue is beyond the scope of the MEL EPL Helpline the attorney will provide direction to the member on where to get appropriate assistance. All calls are confidential.

Click here to download the EPL Helpline Flyer.