I am filing a complaint against this company for breaking a verbal contract with employees, specifically me, to pay extra money referred to as "essential worker pay" to all employees who remained working on their premises for the duration of the public health emergency last year. I was one of several workers who remained on site, I worked a total of 7 weeks as an essential worker (with only 1 1/2 days off total in that time period for a tooth infection) and I never received any extra pay for it. In early August 2020 (I had been employed there since November 2018) I was harassed by the head HR rep, who then created a hostile atmosphere for me in the office by condemning me verbally to other employees. My boss told me he was under pressure to make me wear a mask at work despite me explaining my COPD was a breathing disability and I have low blood pressure and heart issues. I understood the problem it presented him as an employer, but I explained that I was worried I might pass out and hurt myself on the job. He did not care and I was subsequently barred from the building and couldn't return to work. I filed for Unemployment and Benchmark Scientific retaliated against me by falsely informing NJ Unemployment that I was fired for insubordination. I was never fired/terminated and I did not quit my job. They just barred me from the building so I couldn't do my job, which sentenced me to 8 months of poverty, no jobs available to work, waiting for funds from Unemployment. I had to borrow money and almost ending up homeless with my disabled daughter. Please note- I was an exceptional employee with excellent reviews and a great track record at the company. I have an appeal pending with NJU and would like to also file this complaint for the essential worker pay. I filed a complaint with the DOJ as well, under the Americans with Disabilities Act because my disability was not accommodated. I understand the Covid emergency was an unusual situation, but despite that my employer chose not to help me in any way, or even just lay me off temporarily. Instead he chose to tell NJ Unemployment that I am committing fraud! An easy background check shows I've had no criminal record at all in my life and I am not about to allow this company to create one for me and treat me this way. I would greatly appreciate any and all help that you can provide. Thank you, Linda Cerullo-Lazo Please contact me at [protected]@mail.com or call at 848.468.1019