Most employers are fair and will do anything to protect their employees, but some don’t. For this reason, California workers are protected by labor laws that cover wages, breaks, benefits for injured workers and safety and health.
These laws also protect employees from being unlawfully terminated. But how can you tell when this happens? Here are three signs that you were wrongfully terminated:
1. Breach of contract
The employment contract you signed has a termination clause that states the reasons that can lead to a dismissal. Your employer might have breached the contract if they terminated your employment for a reason not included in the agreement.
2. Discrimination
If you are dismissed from employment for your identity, you may have faced wrongful termination. It can be difficult to notice this sign, as most employers don’t say it directly. But you can conclude from the actions that led to the termination. For example, if multiple workers made a mistake, but only certain people, including you, that belong to a particular group were fired, while others were simply warned.
3. Retaliation
If you receive a termination letter after reporting wrongdoing, such as harassment from a colleague or a senior, or were a whistleblower, you should be alarmed. The chances are your employer is retaliating against you. You have the right to report wrongdoings without being punished for doing so.
You should also be concerned if you get a termination letter after turning down non-work-related requests from the employer. For example, when your employer requests a sexual favor or asks you to perform an unethical or illegal activity.
With California being an “at-will” state, employees can fail to notice wrongful termination because they believe the employer can always fire them whenever they choose. You should know the signs to pay attention to and get professional help to protect your rights.
