As an employee in California, you have certain rights and protections against workplace retaliation. Unfortunately, retaliation can still occur, leaving you feeling intimidated, scared, and uncertain about your future at work. So what are your options if you have experienced retaliation at work? In this blog post, we'll dive into the laws protecting employees from retaliation, what qualifies as retaliation under California law, and the steps you can take if you've been retaliated against.

Know Your Rights: 



Under California law, retaliation against an employee for engaging in protected activity is illegal. Protected activity can include filing a complaint with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) or the California Department of Fair Employment and Housing (DFEH), participating in an investigation of workplace discrimination or harassment, or refusing to engage in illegal activity at work. Employers are not allowed to take adverse actions against employees who engage in these protected activities, such as demoting them, giving them poor performance evaluations, or firing them.

Recognize What Qualifies As Retaliation: 

It's important to understand that retaliation can take many forms and can be both subtle and overt. Some examples of retaliation include being passed over for a promotion, being disciplined or written up for minor infractions, being excluded from important work meetings or social events, or being given undesirable work assignments. If you feel that you have been retaliated against, it's important to document what happened, when it happened, and who was involved. Keep a record of any emails, texts, or other evidence that supports your claim.

Take Action:

 If you believe you have been retaliated against, the first step is to talk to your supervisor or HR representative. Explain what happened and why you believe it was retaliation. If you're not able to resolve the issue with your employer, you can file a complaint with the EEOC or DFEH. An experienced employment attorney can help you with this process and ensure that your rights are protected throughout.

Seek Legal Representation: 

If you've been retaliated against and want to take legal action, it's important to seek the help of an experienced employment attorney. At SoCo Law Firm P.C., we are specialized in employment law and have helped many employees who have been retaliated against. We can help you understand your legal rights, assess the strength of your case, and represent you in negotiations or in court if necessary.

Protect Yourself Moving Forward: 

If you're still employed at the same job where you experienced retaliation, it's important to protect yourself moving forward. Keep a record of any incidents that you feel may be retaliation. Make sure to communicate any concerns or issues with your supervisor or HR department. If you feel that you're still being retaliated against, it may be necessary to consider finding a new job where you can work without fear of retaliation.

 If you're an employee who has experienced retaliation at work, it's important to know that you have rights and protections under California law. The laws protecting employees from retaliation are complicated, but seeking out the help of an experienced employment attorney can help ensure that your rights are protected and that you get the justice you deserve. At SoCo Law Firm P.C., we are passionate about helping employees who have been retaliated against and are dedicated to fighting for your rights both in and out of the courtroom. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and learn more about how we can help.