California Wrongful Termination Retaliation Lawyers

In California, employees are protected from wrongful termination due to retaliation under various state and federal laws. These protections are designed to encourage employees to exercise their legal rights without fear of adverse consequences from their employers. Here’s an overview of California employee rights in cases of wrongful termination due to retaliation:

Protected Activities

Employees in California are protected from retaliation for engaging in a range of protected activities, including but not limited to:

• Filing or participating in a complaint process regarding workplace discrimination or harassment under the California Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA) or federal laws.
• Whistleblowing, or reporting illegal activities, noncompliance with regulations, or unsafe working conditions, either internally to supervisors or externally to government or law enforcement agencies.
• Taking leave for family, medical, or disability reasons under the California Family Rights Act (CFRA), the federal Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), or other related statutes.
• Participating in political activities or exercising free speech rights on matters of public concern, as long as these activities do not interfere with work duties.
• Reporting labor code violations, including issues related to wages, overtime, and working conditions.

Employer Prohibitions

Employers in California are prohibited from retaliating against employees who:

• Engage in any of the protected activities listed above.
• Exercise their rights under employment laws and regulations, such as claiming workers’ compensation.
• Assist another person in asserting their rights related to employment law.

Signs of Retaliation

Retaliation can manifest in various ways, including but not limited to:

• Termination or firing
• Demotion or reduction in pay
• Reduction in hours or denial of overtime
• Unwarranted disciplinary actions or negative performance evaluations
• Exclusion from training or professional development opportunities

California’s strong legal framework provides significant protections for employees against wrongful termination due to retaliation, ensuring they can exercise their rights without fear of unjust consequences.