Whistleblower Claims Under California Law

In California it is illegal to fire, demote, refuse to promote, harass, discriminate or retaliate against an employee who is in a protected class, or whose conduct is within a protected category, which includes persons who "blow the whistle" on improper or illegal activities. In short, a "whistleblower" is a person who opposes, makes public, or threatens to make public, illegal actions by an employer or supervisor. For example, it is illegal for an employer to take adverse action materially affecting the terms or conditions of employment against an employee who reports racial discrimination.

It is likewise illegal to take such adverse action against an employee who testifies in a proceeding against the employer for sexual harassment, or who informs the government that a company has been falsifying documents in order to receive payment from the government. Many more examples of whistleblowing activities exist. Where an employer engages in adverse treatment of a whistleblower, it may be the basis for a lawsuit under numerous state and federal laws.

An attorney may be able to help you determine if you are entitled to protection as whistleblower.