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California Employment Law Glossary

Workplace Retaliation
Retaliation

 

Definition


 

Retaliation occurs when an employer takes an adverse employment action against an employee because the employee exercised a legally protected right. Protected activities include filing a wage claim, reporting discrimination or harassment, requesting a disability accommodation, taking protected leave, or participating in a workplace investigation. Adverse actions can include termination, demotion, pay cuts, schedule reductions, negative performance reviews, and even subtle forms of workplace hostility.


Frequently Asked Questions

Illegal retaliation can include firing, demotion, pay cuts, schedule reduction, unwarranted discipline, or other adverse treatment that follows your exercise of a legally protected right.

Timing is often key - document how closely the adverse action followed your protected activity, along with any inconsistent explanations, changed treatment, or comments suggesting retaliatory motive.

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Retaliation for standing up for your rights is a serious legal violation in California. Get a free case review with our team.
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This glossary is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Reading this page does not create an attorney-client relationship with Lawyers for Employee and Consumer Rights. Laws change - for advice specific to your situation, contact our office for a free case review.