Workplace Retaliation in California

The California workplace is destine to be a safe and fair environment where employees can contribute their skills and talents without fear of reprisal. However, the unfortunate reality is that workplace retaliation remains a pervasive issue, affecting individuals across various industries and professions. Retaliation can take many forms, from subtle acts of intimidation to outright termination, and it can have devastating consequences for those who dare to speak out against wrongdoing or assert their legal rights.

At KAASS Law, we believe that everyone deserves a workplace free from fear and intimidation. We dedicated in empowering employees with knowledge about their rights. Additionally, we strive for  fearless legal representation to those who are victims to unlawful retaliation from unjust employers. The following will explore the issues of workplace retaliation in California. Importantly, we attempting to navigate our clients by explaining their rights and how we can help if you are a victim in the workplace. First, we need to uncover what workplace retaliation really is and then take steps on resolving this issue.

What is Workplace Retaliation?

Workplace retaliation occurs when an employer takes adverse action against an employee because the employee has engaged in a protected activity. California law prohibits retaliation against employees who. Workplace retaliation can include any of the following actions:

• Demotion
• Discipline
• Firing
• Salary reduction
• Reducing work hours
• Decreasing hourly wage

When is Retaliation in California is Considered Illegal?

In California, workplace retaliation is considered illegal when the employer punishes his employees for the following actions:

• Reporting illegal conduct
• Refusing to engage in illegal conduct
• Filing a wage claim with the California Labor Commissioner
• Filing discrimination lawsuits
• Reporting of workplace harassment
• Reporting of workplace discrimination
• Requesting a reasonable accommodation due to a disability
• Assisting other employees in filing a complaint or lawsuit of unlawful activity in the workplace.

Filing a Claim with Department of Fair Employment and Housing (“DFEH”)

The employee, who engaged in protected activity and was demoted or terminated as a result can file a claim with DFEH under the Fair Employment and Housing Act(“FEHA”). In order to preserve your right, the employee must file a claim with DFEH within 1 year from the time of the retaliation.

The department will investigate the claim and if there is enough evidence, proceeds with the claim. If not, the claim will be closed. Then the employee will be able to file a lawsuit against his employer.

By filing a lawsuit, an employee can recover compensation for:

• Attorney fees and costs
• Back pay and front pay
• Lost benefits and mental anguish.

An employee is also protected from workplace retaliation under federal law in case he files a harassment or discrimination complaint at work either internally or to an outside body like the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. Federal law also protects an employee who cooperates in Equal Employment Opportunity Commission investigations or serves as witnesses in EEOC litigation or investigations.

The Legal Standard for a Retaliation Claim in California

According to California Labor Code Section 1102.5, an employee can sue his employer for retaliation in case:

• An employee engaged in protected activity
• Employer subjected the employee to an adverse employment action,
• The two are related.

It is important to mention, that the employee is not required to prove the employer’s action was illegal to establish the claim. To prove a retaliation claim in California, an employee must show the following:

• He has engaged in a “protected activity”
• He suffered a tangible adverse employment action, such as termination or demotion
• The main reason for being terminated or demoted was that protected activity.

Differences Between Whistleblowing and Retaliation Claims

Very often retaliation and whistleblowing claims are discussed interchangeably however, they are not identical.

Whistleblowing typically involves complaints or claims which focus on activities prohibited by law and activities that compromise public safety. A retaliation claim is more connected with individual employee rights, such as the right to speak up against harassment, the right to be paid overtime, etc.

Types of Retaliation Claims in California

Under California law there are the following types of retaliation claims:

• Discrimination claim retaliation
• Union and concerted activity retaliation
• Public employees and First Amendment rights retaliation
• Wage and hour retaliation
• Political activity retaliation
• Workers’ comp retaliation

KAASS Law: Standing Up for Employee Rights

At KAASS Law, we are dedicated to protecting employees from unlawful retaliation and ensuring that they can exercise their rights without fear of reprisal. If you have experienced retaliation in the workplace, contact us today for a free consultation. We can help you understand your legal options and fight for the justice you deserve. There are laws that protect you from you employment discrimination.

If you believe that you are a victim of employment retaliation, from your employer, we invite you to contact our Los Angeles employment law attorney California Employee Relation Attorney today at

(310) 943-1171.