What rights do I have if I am retaliated against?
If you are retaliated against for acting as a whistleblower in California, you have certain rights and protections under state law. The California False Claims Act protects whistleblowers from retaliation by their employers when they report or help to investigate an action the employer is taking in violation of state or federal law. This law makes it a crime for an employer to retaliate against a whistleblower, including by firing, demoting, or suspending them. Additionally, under California law, employers must not prevent a whistleblower from providing information or records to a public body in connection with an investigation, or from testifying in any proceeding held by a public body. This includes participating in legal proceedings, such as giving a deposition or testifying as a witness. If your employer retaliates against you in any way for being a whistleblower, you may file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Labor or the California Department of Fair Employment and Housing. It is also important to consult with a labor law attorney to understand all of your rights. In some cases, the California False Claims Act may also award damages to a whistleblower who has suffered retaliation, including the possibility of reinstatement, back pay, and attorney’s fees. Overall, it is important to note that whistleblowers in California are protected from retaliation. If you are retaliated against for acting as a whistleblower, there are certain rights and protections available to you under state law.
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