Can I be fired for refusing to do something unethical or illegal?

The answer to this question depends on the specific situation. In most cases, it is illegal for an employer in California to fire an employee for refusing to do something unethical or illegal. Generally speaking, California law protects employees from being wrongfully terminated in retaliation for refusing to break the law, regulations, public policies, or the employee’s own conscience. For example, if an employee is asked to do something that violates a federal law, like discriminating against another person based on their race or gender, they are legally allowed to refuse and their refusal cannot be used as grounds for termination. However, if the employee’s refusal to perform a task is seen as a serious breach of their duties or their employment agreement, then they can be terminated. This could happen if the employee is refusing to do something that is considered a reasonable part of their job, such as following their employer’s safety or confidentiality protocols. Additionally, if the employee is refusing to perform the task because they are not qualified or unable to do it, they could be fired for poor performance. Overall, wrongful termination law in California is designed to protect workers from being fired unjustly. If an employee is asked to do something unethical or illegal, they should consult a lawyer, human resources representative, or union representative to determine if they have legal protection against wrongful termination.

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Can I be fired for refusing to do something unethical or illegal?

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