Members of Legislature not to be discriminated against in connection with seniority rights; pension coverage or benefits or insurance coverage or benefits provided by employer

In order to encourage dedicated public service, it shall be unlawful for any private employer to discriminate against an employee who is a member of the Legislature, in connection with any employee seniority rights, employee pension coverage or benefits or employee insurance coverage or benefits, because of such employee's absence from work to attend regular or extraordinary sessions of the Legislature: Provided, That such employee continues to contribute his share of the costs for any such coverage or benefits when such contribution is required by his employer. An employee shall have a cause of action against his employer for violation of the provisions of this section and such cause of action may be enforced in a civil action for such purpose.