As a responsible employee, you don’t want to cause trouble in the workplace. However, he should also know that he has rights and is protected by law to report illegal activities to his employer or to a government regulatory agency.

Simply put, your employer may not take action against you because you have spoken out; that is illegal retaliation. At least in California, you can speak up and report bugs that you reasonably believe violate the law. As long as you are honest, reasonable, and complaining in good faith, you can do so knowing that you are supported by the whistleblower retaliation statutes under the Labor Code.

A growing body of law, both state and federal, is expanding the rights of employees against retaliation or other negative actions taken against honest employees who report wrongdoing.

In general, it is your right to speak up and complain about workplace mistakes that you suspect violate the law. Today, under the California Labor Code, you can report these matters directly to the employer or to the appropriate government agency.

In particular, California employment laws allow you to report a variety of alleged errors in violation of the law. The provisions of California Labor Code section 6310 protect your right to report safety problems and dangers that you reasonably perceive in your workplace, as well as discrimination or harassment against your co-workers. Under Labor Code section 1102.5, you also have the right to speak out against other unfair business practices, such as fraud or other misrepresentations. You are protected by these legal rights whether you are employed in the public or private sector, in a business, or as a government employee.

Today’s law and public policy recognize that whistleblowers often swim against the tide of conformity and acquiescence in the workplace. This requires a certain measure of courage on the part of workers, who often put their financial security, careers and livelihoods at stake. Please note, however, that you do not need to be sure that the conduct you are complaining about is actually illegal; that’s something a lawyer can determine, and you don’t need to be a lawyer to be a whistleblower.

In the state of California, your legal protection against retaliation by whistleblowers is extensive. Although these laws apply differently depending on the facts of your particular situation, they are taken seriously and are enforced in appropriate circumstances.

Get up and talk!! If you or a co-worker is the victim of unlawful retaliation, please contact our offices for legal action tailored to the facts of your individual situation.