Retaliation is a silent plague that often simmers beneath the surface of many workplaces. While California is famed for its progressive employee rights, retaliation remains a subtle yet pervasive issue.
According to Calmatters, retaliation claims awaiting investigation grew five times between 2018 and 2021 (number of claims 3,378). By April 2023, the backlog grew to 4,878 cases, indicating California employees still experience workplace retaliation.
With the number of claims filed, it is clear that the fear of this workplace mistreatment is increasingly justified, as most employees are unaware of their rights.
In this article, we will tell you what retaliation is, the California laws that prohibit it, and how you can report it with the help of an employment lawyer.
The EEOC (Equal Employment Opportunity Commission) says retaliation occurs when an employer punishes employees or job applicants for practicing their workplace rights. It can be any form of misconduct that could lead to a number of negative job actions- such as firing, demotion, reduction in pay, as well as harassment.
Not all forms of retaliation are evident, sometimes, employers take subtle actions to confuse the affected employees so they do not know whether they are being retaliated against or not.
State and federal law says any unethical activity that occurs as a result of the worker practicing their rights could qualify as retaliation, and the employer may be punished for it.
Some employee activities that may lead to workplace retaliation include the following:
As a reasonable employee, you are not entitled to face consequences for following any of these activities or more that fall under your rights as an employee in California. If you have been subject to retaliation, don’t wait, and call our employment law attorneys at 310-929-2190.
👉 Also read: Top 8 Signs of Retaliation in the Workplace
The after-effects of retaliation are not just limited to one’s professional life; they often permeate personal realms as well. It is important for every employee to know how this misconduct can affect them and in how many ways.
Retaliation, while often subtle, can leave lasting psychological scars. Employees facing retaliation might grapple with chronic stress and anxiety, constantly fearing further reprisals.
Over time, this unrelenting pressure can erode an individual’s self-esteem, making them doubt their worth and capabilities. Having faced betrayal in what is supposed to be a safe and professional environment, the reasonable person may find it challenging to trust colleagues or even future employers.
The professional toll of retaliation is multifaceted. Employees may find themselves overlooked for promotions or subjected to unfair evaluations, leading to career stagnation. Their enthusiasm and dedication might wane, translating to reduced productivity – a natural outcome when one feels undervalued or targeted.
The emotional turmoil stemming from retaliation does not leave physical health untouched. From recurring headaches and gastrointestinal issues to more severe conditions like cardiovascular diseases, employees may experience several health issues when their mental state is affected by retaliation.
The stress caused due to workplace retaliation can strain personal relationships, causing an individual to become more withdrawn, irritable, or distant from loved ones. Besides this, financial instability might emerge if retaliation leads to reduced pay or job loss, disrupting an employee’s quality of life.
Employer retaliation is one of the worst things someone can experience. Remember, there are laws to protect you from such kind of behavior, and you do not have to adjust to the retaliatory behavior of your employer. Inform a reliable labor law expert about your situation, and discuss your legal options.
California is among the top U.S. states with strict and multiple retaliation laws. Knowing about these labor laws helps you identify the retaliatory actions and act quickly before the misconduct becomes severe. Below, we have explained some important acts and labor codes that govern workplace retaliation.
Often referred to as the “Whistleblower Protection Act,” this section is one of the most comprehensive anti-retaliation statutes in the state. It forbids employers from making, adopting, or enforcing any rule or policy that prevents employees from whistleblowing.
Additionally, employers cannot retaliate against employees for disclosing information to a government or law enforcement agency when they believe that the information discloses a violation of state or federal laws.
California’s Labor Code Section 98.6 is pivotal in safeguarding the rights of employees, especially those who choose to stand up against wage-related violations or other infringements of their labor rights. Employers are prohibited from discharging, formally penalizing, or otherwise discriminating against any employee because the individual:
Section 230(a) provides crucial protections for employees needing time off for specified personal responsibilities and civil obligations. Furthermore, employers cannot discharge or, in any manner, retaliate against employees who are required to serve as jurors.
For an employee to be protected under this section, they must provide their employer with reasonable notice that they have been summoned to appear for jury duty.
Employees who are victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, or stalking get special protection under section 230(c). The provision underscores California’s commitment to supporting and protecting victims by ensuring they don’t face job repercussions for seeking help or taking necessary precautions in the face of such situations.
Under this section, guardians, grandparents, or individuals who stand in loco parentis to a child shall get time off from work for certain school or childcare-related activities (up to 40 hours a year and not more than 8 hours a month). Employers cannot terminate or retaliate in any manner against such employees. (No 8-hour restriction for school emergencies).
Labor Code Section 232.5 addresses a significant aspect of workplace transparency and equity: the right of employees to discuss their wages. It ensures employees can openly discuss their compensation without fear of retaliation, promoting a more transparent and equal work environment. The section 232.5 prohibits employers from:
Often referred to as the “Kin Care” law, this section mandates that employers who provide paid sick leave to their workers must allow them to use a portion of that leave not just for their health conditions but also to attend to the illness of a family member.
Employers cannot take any retaliatory action against an employee for using or attempting to exercise their right to use the available sick leaves.
There are numerous California Labor Code sections such as the Fair Labor Standards Act that encourage employees to raise their voices against the unethical conduct by their employer. If you don’t have the time to understand the complex employment laws, it is wise to have a lawyer by your side to protect your rights.
The California employment statutes make it clear what amounts to retaliation. However, it can be challenging to show that retaliation has occurred and affected your employment in one way or the other. To establish your claim, you need to prove the following:
Proving that you have faced retaliation is one of the most arduous things, especially in an at-will state like California. Before contacting the labor commissioner or a government agency to file your complaint, ensure you have ample evidence to prove your charges.
If you believe you have been retaliated against, it is essential to seek legal guidance. An employment attorney like Hershey Law can ensure you are adequately protected and fairly represented when proceeding with your retaliation claim. Here is how a lawyer can ease the overwhelming process of establishing a claim and proving it:
At the onset of your legal journey, our employment attorney listens to your account of events and evaluates the validity of your claims. They will guage whether the actions you faced fall under legal definitions of retaliation and might also identify other potential claims, such as wrongful termination.
A crucial phase in building your case, the attorney assists in collecting essential documents like employment contracts, employee handbook, performance reviews, and relevant emails. The legal professionals might also interview your coworkers or others who can vouch for your claims.
Once your case’s foundation is set, our attorneys will elucidate your rights under state and federal laws, ensuring you are aware of your legal standing. We also outline potential courses of action, whether that is filing a complaint, entering negotiations, or proceeding to court.
Many cases find resolution outside of court. The lawyers we assign for your case will represent your interests in settlement discussions, aiming to secure an agreeable resolution. If both parties (you and the human resources representative or your employer) consent, mediation facilitated by a neutral third party might be an option.
In case negotiations and other out-of-court settlement options do not work out, the lawyers guide you through agency filings, like lodging complaints with the DFEH or EEOC. If litigation ensues, we handle the legal documents and prepare to represent you in court.
Our role does not end with the court’s verdict. If needed, you will also get advice on potential appeals to ensure that any awarded judgments, like compensation, are enforced and received.
👉 Also read: What Evidence Matters in a Retaliation Lawsuit?
At Hershey Law, our seasoned employment lawyers are ready to advocate for you. We understand that dealing with workplace retaliation can be overwhelmingly stressful, but it does not have to be that way.
As award-winning labor lawyers in California, we stand up for those who stand up against the wrongdoings of their employers. We are fearless lawyers who provide strategic and tactical advocacy to help prove your charges.
Call us at 310-929-2190 to schedule a free consultation and get a glimpse of our outstanding customer service. We operate throughout California, catering to employees from various locations, including Beverly Hills, Burbank, San Bernardino, Ventura, and more.
Hershey Law is an employment law firm serving Los Angeles, Orange County, and the surrounding areas. We’ve been able to successfully assist hundreds of clients, and are looking forward to potentially being able to work with you.