California is an at-will employment state. This means that an employer is free to terminate employment for any reason, provided that it is a legal reason. Employment lawyers Orange County can explain that terminating an employee for whistleblowing activity can be illegal.

Background on Whistleblowing

Employment lawyers Orange County can explain that whistleblowing laws have been established across the country to protect employees who report the unlawful actions or actions committed by an employer that could harm the public interest. Generally, in order for a whistleblower to receive protection from a wrongful termination or retaliation, he or she must act in good faith.

Whistleblowing Specifics

In California, a person is protected from termination or retaliation if he or she provides information to the government or law enforcement agency or a representative who has the power to investigate or correct the violation. An employee is also protected if he or she testifies before a public body that investigates a violation. The reported misconduct must be a violation of a state or federal statute, a local, state or federal regulation or a violation of workplace safety rules. A whistleblower is also someone who refuses to follow an instruction that would violate a statute or regulation.

Remedy

An employee who has been wrongfully terminated may be entitled to reinstatement of his or employment, reinstatement of benefits and lost wages.

Legal Assistance

If you would like more information on whistleblowing protection, contact employment lawyers Orange County from Daily Aljian LLP.