25 Workplace Retaliation Examples Under California Law

California Workplace Retaliation Overview

Under California law, workplace retaliation is defined as any adverse action taken by an employer against an employee because the employee engaged in legally protected activity. Legally protected activity can include reporting or opposing unlawful behavior, filing a complaint, participating in an investigation or hearing, or advocating for their rights or the rights of others in the workplace.

The California Labor Code and various court decisions provide a broad definition of what constitutes adverse actions, which can include termination, demotion, pay reduction, negative performance evaluations, denial of promotions, or other forms of discrimination or harassment that negatively affect the terms or conditions of the employee’s employment.

It’s important to note that retaliation is illegal and employees have the right to report unlawful behavior without fear of retaliation. Employers who engage in retaliation can be held liable for damages, including back pay, lost benefits, emotional distress, and punitive damages.

Retaliation in the Workplace Examples

Below are 25 workplace retaliation examples for Californians to be aware of:

1. Firing an employee for reporting discrimination or harassment in the workplace
2. Demoting an employee for taking time off to care for a sick family member
3. Assigning an employee undesirable tasks or duties after they complained about their working conditions
4. Refusing to provide an employee with necessary training or equipment after they reported safety violations
5. Refusing to consider an employee for a promotion or raise after they reported unlawful behavior by a manager or supervisor
6. Threatening an employee with termination or discipline for reporting harassment or discrimination
7. Giving an employee a negative performance review after they reported unlawful behavior in the workplace
8. Cutting an employee’s hours or pay after they reported safety violations or other unlawful behavior
9. Excluding an employee from meetings or decision-making processes after they reported unlawful behavior
10. Dismissing an employee’s ideas or opinions after they reported harassment or discrimination
11. Isolating an employee from their colleagues or team after they reported unlawful behavior
12. Refusing to provide an employee with necessary accommodations for a disability after they reported harassment or discrimination
13. Making derogatory or offensive comments about an employee after they reported unlawful behavior
14. Giving an employee a poor reference or badmouthing them to potential employers after they reported unlawful behavior
15. Refusing to provide an employee with a reference or recommendation after they reported unlawful behavior
16. Making an employee’s work environment hostile or intimidating after they reported unlawful behavior
17. Denying an employee overtime or other benefits after they reported harassment or discrimination
18. Refusing to hire an employee because they previously reported unlawful behavior at another company
19. Retaliating against an employee for participating in a union or other protected activity
20. Taking disciplinary action against an employee for using their legally protected leave or requesting accommodation for a disability
21. Refusing to promote an employee because of their age, race, gender, or other protected characteristic
22. Denying an employee a transfer or lateral move after they reported harassment or discrimination
23. Refusing to allow an employee to work from home or have a flexible schedule after they reported unlawful behavior
24. Sabotaging an employee’s work or project after they reported unlawful behavior
25. Falsely accusing an employee of wrongdoing or misconduct after they reported harassment or discrimination.

These are just a few examples of the various ways that retaliation can occur in the workplace. It’s important to note that retaliation is illegal and employees have the right to report unlawful behavior without fear of retaliation.

How do I prove workplace retaliation in California?

To prove workplace retaliation in California, you must be able to show that:

• You engaged in a protected activity: This can include reporting or opposing unlawful behavior, filing a complaint, participating in an investigation or hearing, or advocating for your rights or the rights of others in the workplace.
• Your employer took an adverse action against you: Adverse actions can include termination, demotion, pay reduction, negative performance evaluations, denial of promotions, or other forms of discrimination or harassment that negatively affect the terms or conditions of your employment.
• There was a causal connection between your protected activity and the adverse action: You must be able to show that your employer took the adverse action against you because you engaged in the protected activity. This can be shown through direct evidence (e.g. an email or witness testimony) or circumstantial evidence (e.g. timing of the adverse action).
• You suffered damages as a result of the retaliation: Damages can include back pay, lost benefits, emotional distress, and punitive damages.

To prove workplace retaliation, it’s important to document any evidence that supports your claim, including emails, witness testimony, performance evaluations, and any other relevant documentation. It’s also recommended that you consult with an experienced employment attorney who can provide guidance and representation throughout the process.

What Should You Not Do When Trying to Prove Workplace Retaliation?

When trying to prove workplace retaliation, there are several things you should avoid doing, as they could negatively impact your case. Here are some things you should not do:

• Do not retaliate against your employer: Retaliating against your employer or engaging in any misconduct yourself can harm your case and potentially result in disciplinary action against you.
• Do not engage in any activity that violates company policies or procedures: Engaging in conduct that violates company policies or procedures can undermine your credibility and give your employer a legitimate reason for taking adverse action against you.
• Don’t wait too long to take action: In California, there is a statute of limitations on filing retaliation claims, so it’s important to take action as soon as possible. Waiting too long to report the retaliation can make it harder to gather evidence and weaken your case.
• Do not ignore or fail to document evidence: Documentation is crucial in proving retaliation. It’s important to keep a record of any emails, performance evaluations, or other evidence that supports your claim. Ignoring or failing to document evidence can weaken your case.
• Don’t discuss your case with anyone who is not your attorney: Discussing your case with anyone who is not your attorney can harm your case and potentially waive your attorney-client privilege.

Overall, it’s important to approach the situation with professionalism and to seek legal advice from an experienced employment attorney who can guide you through the process of proving workplace retaliation.

Why Should Someone Hire a Workplace Retaliation Attorney?

There are several reasons why someone who is dealing with workplace retaliation in California should hire an experienced workplace retaliation attorney:

• Legal expertise: A workplace retaliation attorney has a deep understanding of California’s employment laws and can help you understand your legal rights and options. They can provide guidance and support throughout the process, including filing a complaint, negotiating a settlement, or pursuing legal action in court.
• Investigation: An attorney can conduct a thorough investigation into the facts surrounding the retaliation, gather evidence, and interview witnesses. They can help you build a strong case and provide advice on the best strategy to pursue.
• Negotiation: An experienced attorney can negotiate with your employer or their legal team to reach a settlement outside of court. They can help ensure that any settlement agreement is fair and includes the compensation you deserve.
• Representation in court: If necessary, an attorney can represent you in court and present a compelling case on your behalf. They can also handle all legal filings and proceedings, including depositions, discovery, and motions.
• Protection against retaliation: Hiring an attorney sends a clear message to your employer that you are serious about protecting your rights and taking action against retaliation. An attorney can also help protect you against any further retaliation by your employer during the legal process.

Overall, hiring an experienced workplace retaliation attorney can help you navigate a complex legal process and ensure that you receive the compensation and justice you deserve.

Get Connected With a Workplace Retaliation Lawyer Near You

The legal system can be extremely confusing for anyone to navigate. LawLinq connects victims of workplace retaliation with top rated attorneys for free.

There are many times where clients try to hire an attorney on their own and they end up making a bad decision. Our service connects you with some of the best workplace retaliation attorneys in the state at no cost. We do the homework so you don’t have to. Don’t get stuck on hold with a law firm’s front desk. Find out if you have a case today by calling LawLinq.