What is Illegal Retaliation?

Under California law, it is illegal to harass, discriminate or retaliate against an employee who is in a protected category, or whose conduct  falls into a protected category.

One of these protected categories is opposing illegal activity such as harassment or discrimination based on sex or race, or illegally falsifying documents or giving false testimony.  A person who opposes, makes public, or threatens to make public, such illegal actions by an employer or supervisor may be entitled to protection under the act and is often referred to as a "whistleblower." 

Where an employer engages in adverse treatment of a whistleblower, it  may be the basis for a lawsuit under numerous state and federal laws.

Consultation with an attorney may be required to determine which, if any, may apply to any given situation.