California Workplace Retaliation Lawyers

No employee should lose their job, career, or livelihood for speaking up.

Yet across California — from Los Angeles to the Bay Area — workers who report illegal conduct, wage violations, discrimination, or unsafe conditions often face retaliation instead of accountability. Workplace retaliation is illegal under both federal and California law. When an employer punishes an employee for asserting their rights, reporting misconduct, or participating in an investigation, that retaliation can form the basis of a lawsuit.

At its core, retaliation law exists to protect courage — the courage to speak up.

Not sure whether you were the victim of workplace retaliation? Our attorneys can assess your situation and help you understand your rights. Contact Peter Law Group by filling out a brief intake form for a free case evaluation.

What Is Workplace Retaliation?

Workplace retaliation occurs when an employer takes adverse action against an employee because the employee:

• Reported unlawful conduct

• Filed a complaint internally or with a government agency

• Participated in an investigation

• Requested disability accommodation

• Took protected leave

• Reported wage and hour violations

• Refused to participate in illegal activity

• Engaged in union or protected activity

Retaliation can take many forms, including:

• Termination

• Demotion

• Pay cuts

• Reduced hours

• Negative performance reviews

• Reassignment to undesirable shifts

• Exclusion from opportunities

• Harassment or intimidation

The law does not require a dramatic firing to prove retaliation. Even subtle but materially harmful actions can qualify.

California’s Strong Anti-Retaliation Protections

California provides some of the strongest employee protections in the country.

Retaliation claims often arise under:

• California Labor Code § 1102.5 (whistleblower protection)

• Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA)

• Wage and hour statutes

• Paid sick leave laws

• Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA/CFRA)

• PAGA (Private Attorneys General Act)

In many cases, retaliation overlaps with other violations, including misclassification, unpaid overtime, discrimination, or harassment.

Retaliation in Wage and Hour Cases

We frequently see retaliation in cases involving:

• Unpaid overtime

• Meal and rest break violations

• Misclassification as independent contractors

• Commission and bonus disputes

An employee who complains about wage violations and is then disciplined, isolated, or terminated may have a separate retaliation claim in addition to wage claims.

Retaliation often strengthens a broader wage and hour class action case because it shows a pattern of suppressing complaints.

Retaliation Against Whistleblowers

California law protects employees who report:

• Fraud

• Safety violations

• Harassment or discrimination

• Illegal pay practices

• Healthcare violations

• Financial misconduct

Importantly, an employee does not have to prove the employer actually violated the law — only that the employee had a reasonable belief and reported it in good faith.

How Retaliation Cases Are Proven

To prove retaliation, a plaintiff typically must show:

1. They engaged in protected activity.

2. The employer took adverse action.

3. There is a causal connection between the two.

Evidence often includes:

• Timing (discipline shortly after complaints)

• Internal emails

• Changes in treatment

• Sudden performance criticism

• Shifting explanations for termination

Why Retaliation Cases Matter

Retaliation cases are not just about individual fairness. They are about protecting the integrity of workplace rights.

If workers are punished for reporting violations, unlawful systems continue unchecked.

That is why California law treats retaliation seriously — and why courts often allow punitive damages in egregious cases.

Contact Peter Law Group

If you believe you were terminated, disciplined, or treated unfairly after asserting your rights, you may have a claim. Contact Peter Law Group today. Our attorneys will review your situation and explain your options for recovering compensation and enforcing your rights.

Workplace retaliation claims are highly fact-specific and often time-sensitive. Early legal guidance can be critical.

Workplace retaliation claims often overlap with other workplace issues. Peter Law Group also handles general employment litigation, workplace discrimination class actions, and wage and hourly class actions for employees across California.