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What Counts as Retaliation Under California Labor Law?

  • Writer: Lawyer Referral Center
    Lawyer Referral Center
  • Jun 18, 2025
  • 1 min read

If you’ve been punished at work for standing up for your rights, you might be a victim of workplace retaliation — and under California law, that’s illegal. Retaliation can take many forms, some subtle and others more obvious, but all can seriously impact your career and well-being.


In this article, we’ll explain what legally qualifies as retaliation in California, your rights as an employee, and what to do if your employer takes action against you for asserting those rights.


What Is Workplace Retaliation?


What Counts as Retaliation Under California Labor Law

Retaliation occurs when an employer punishes an employee for engaging in a protected activity — meaning something the law allows or encourages you to do without fear of punishment. This includes reporting illegal conduct, filing a complaint, or participating in an investigation.


Under California Labor Code §1102.5 and related laws, retaliation is illegal even if your claim turns out to be unsubstantiated — as long as you made the report in good faith.

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