Signs that Your Firing May Have Been Retaliation

Being fired from a job can feel demoralizing and stressful. It may be due to a slowdown in work, an overall reduction in staff or any number of other reasons. California is an at-will state, meaning your employer can fire you (or you can quit) for any lawful reason. However, the state also has strong protections for employees, including retaliation. You have legal rights. Your company can’t punish you for exercising your legal rights. But how can you tell if your firing was for lawful reasons or as retaliation for something you did? California prohibits employers from firing employees for reporting violations of federal, state or local laws. If you recently reported something illegal or inappropriate, such as harassment, unsafe working conditions or fraudulent business practices, and were fired shortly afterward, it may not be coincidental. Further, you have the legal right to take a leave of absence for: Caring for a family member Pregnancy or bonding with a new child Your own serious health condition As a victim of domestic violence or stalking Your company can’t fire you simply because your medical needs or family responsibilities temporarily take you away from work. Another indication of retaliation is being fired after standing up for your workplace rights. This might include asking about missing overtime pay, requesting reasonable accommodations for a disability or discussing salaries with coworkers. These activities are protected under California law, and your employer can’t fire you for asserting your rights. Retaliation may not happen immediately. It might begin slowly and build over weeks or months. You may start receiving negative write-ups and performance reviews, have important duties taken away, be excluded from important meetings and emails or experience hostility. These may be attempts to create a paper trail to justify a firing that is actually retaliation. If you believe your termination was illegal, remember that you don’t have to navigate this alone. A legal professional can analyze your situation, explain your options and help you get the justice you deserve. The post Signs that your firing may have been retaliation first appeared on JCL Law Firm, APC.