If you have ever paused before contacting Human Resources or relevant authorities about something that felt unfair, unsafe or possibly illegal at work, you’re not alone. Many California employees hesitate, unsure whether speaking up might derail their career or put them at risk of retaliation. California law is designed to protect you in such moments.
Any lawful steps you take to assert your rights as an employee or report misconduct are protected activities in California. In other words, you are legally protected when you act in good faith to address workplace issues.
Common examples of legally protected activities
The law protects a wide range of actions, and it’s important to understand what qualifies as a protected activity. Some general examples include:
- Filing a complaint with a government agency like the California Civil Rights Department (CRD) or the Equal Employment Opportunities Commission (EEOC) or even encouraging a co-worker to do so
- Speaking out against harassment, discrimination or other unlawful practices
- Participating in an investigation into workplace misconduct
- Requesting reasonable accommodations
- Requesting or taking legally protected leave
- Taking time off work for jury duty or to appear in court as a witness or in response to a subpoena
- Taking time off to seek a restraining order or other legal relief as the victim of a crime
Remember, you are protected from employer retaliation if you engage in these activities even if you explain your concerns in everyday language or don’t quote specific laws. As long as you reasonably believe something is unlawful or improper, your actions are covered by the law..
What employer retaliation looks like
Some employers take adverse actions against employees who engage in protected activities, even though it’s illegal. Employer retaliation is not limited to firing. It can include demotion, pay cuts, sudden negative reviews, isolation, reduced hours or being reassigned to undesirable duties after you speak up or exercise your rights.
If you’re in such a situation, seeking qualified legal guidance can help you understand your rights, document incidents properly and determine the best course of action to protect yourself.