Retaliation and Wrongful Termination: Know Your Rights in California

Retaliation and Wrongful Termination in California

California law protects employees from retaliation for reporting illegal activity, discrimination, harassment, wage violations, or unsafe working conditions.

What Is Retaliation?

Retaliation occurs when an employer punishes an employee for engaging in legally protected activity, such as:

• Reporting harassment or discrimination
• Filing a wage or hour complaint
• Reporting safety violations
• Refusing to participate in illegal acts

Legal Protections

• California Labor Code and Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA)
• Federal whistleblower statutes

How to Prove Retaliation

• Show you engaged in protected activity
• Demonstrate adverse action (firing, demotion, etc.)
• Link the protected activity to the adverse action

What to Do

• Document incidents and communications
• File a complaint with DFEH or EEOC
• Consult an employment attorney

Frequently Asked Questions

What is considered retaliation in the workplace?

Retaliation occurs when an employer punishes an employee for engaging in legally protected activity, such as reporting harassment, discrimination, wage violations, or unsafe working conditions.

Can I be fired for reporting illegal activity?

No. Retaliation for reporting illegal activity is prohibited by law.

How do I prove retaliation?

You must show you engaged in protected activity, suffered an adverse action, and there is a link between the two.

What damages can I recover for retaliation?

You may recover lost wages, emotional distress, and attorney’s fees.

If you suspect retaliation, contact us for a free consultation or call (888) 970-8627.