What You Need to Know About California Whistleblower Protections
California whistleblower protection laws prohibit employers from retaliating against workers who report suspected violations of laws, regulations, and public policy. Here’s everything you need to know about California whistleblower protections and how you can protect your rights.
Background legal information about California Whistleblower Protection Laws
The California Whistleblower Protection Act (the “Act”) protects every state employee who files a complaint from any retaliation by their state employer for having made the complaint.
Related: California Employee Whistleblower FAQs
What is whistleblower retaliation?
Workplace retaliation against an employee whistleblower can take multiple forms and in multiple degrees. Some examples of whistleblower retaliation are getting fired or facing a situation in which the employer makes working conditions so intolerable for the employee that s/he has no choice but to resign.
Other forms of retaliation include intimidation, denial of appointment or promotion, a threat of adverse action, a poor performance evaluation, involuntary transfer, threats to turn a worker into ICE, denial of access to resources and opportunities, or disciplinary action.
What can victims of whistleblower retaliation do to make this right?
California whistleblower protection laws give employees the right to sue their employers for damages from whistleblower retaliation. The damages an employee can receive as compensation for whistleblower retaliation will depend largely on the individual circumstance and legal basis of the individual’s whistleblower protection suit.
Related: California Wage Deduction Laws: Explained
If you win the lawsuit against your employer, you may be entitled to damages that include lost wages and benefits, compensation for physical or mental pain, etc.
Possible retaliation victims may refer to the following resources for additional information.
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If you or a loved one would like to learn more about California Whistleblower Protections, get your free consultation with one of our Employment Attorneys in California today!