California Whistleblower Protections: Know Your Rights

April 14, 2025

California Whistleblower Protections & Legal Rights 

A keyboard with a pink button that says whistle blower
Reporting illegal or unethical practices at work can be intimidating, but California has some of the strongest whistleblower protections in the country. Whether you’ve witnessed fraud, discrimination, safety violations, or other unlawful activities, understanding your rights can help you take action without fear of losing your job. This blog breaks down California’s whistleblower laws, how they protect employees, and what to do if you experience retaliation. 

What Is a Whistleblower? 
A whistleblower is an employee who reports illegal, unethical, or unsafe practices within their company to a government agency, law enforcement, or internal compliance officers. Whistleblowing can involve exposing workplace violations such as: 
California law strongly protects employees who speak out against wrongdoing to ensure they are not punished for doing the right thing. 

How California’s Whistleblower Laws Protect You 

Multiple California and federal laws safeguard whistleblowers who report violations: 
  • California Labor Code Section 1102.5: This law prohibits employers from retaliating against employees who report violations of state or federal laws to government agencies or law enforcement. 
  • The California Whistleblower Protection Act: This protects public employees from retaliation when reporting government corruption or misconduct. 
  • The Sarbanes-Oxley Act & Dodd-Frank Act: These federal laws provide additional protections for employees in the financial sector who report corporate fraud. 
  • California Labor Code 98.6 LC: This law protects you from reporting wage and hour violations to the California Labor Commissioner. 
  • California Labor Code 6310 LC: Prohibits retaliation against you for reporting violations of occupational health and safety rules to the California Division of Occupational Safety and Health (Cal/OSHA).  
  • California’s Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA): Prohibits employers from retaliating against you for reporting workplace discrimination or harassment. 
Under these laws, employers cannot fire, demote, harass, or otherwise retaliate against employees for whistleblowing. 

Signs of Employer Retaliation 

If you’ve reported wrongdoing and suddenly experience negative treatment at work, you may be facing employer retaliation. Common signs include: 
  • Unjustified poor performance reviews or disciplinary actions 
  • Sudden demotion or reduction in responsibilities 
  • Exclusion from meetings or opportunities 
  • Increased scrutiny and micromanagement 
  • Hostile work environment 
  • Wrongful termination 
If you believe your employer is retaliating against you, it’s important to take immediate action to protect your rights. 

What to Do If You Experience Retaliation 
If you suspect retaliation after whistleblowing, follow these steps: 
  • Document Everything: Keep detailed records of your reports, communications, and any retaliatory actions taken against you. 
  • File an Internal Complaint: If possible, report the retaliation to HR or a compliance officer within your company. 
  • Seek Legal Assistance: An employment lawyer can help you understand your rights and take legal action if necessary. 
  • File a Complaint with Authorities: You may be able to file a complaint with the California Labor Commissioner, Cal/OSHA, the California Civil Rights Department (CRD), the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), or the U.S. Department of Labor. 
Blowing the whistle on illegal activity takes courage, but California law is on your side. If you believe you are facing retaliation for reporting workplace violations, don’t wait—take action now. Filing a whistleblower complaint can help protect your job, career, and well-being. 

If you're facing retaliation for reporting workplace violations, contact Lawyers for Employee and Consumer Rights today for expert legal assistance in filing a whistleblower complaint and protecting your rights. Don’t let your employer silence you, stand up for justice and protect your future. 

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