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- Written by: Mo Eldessouky — California employment trial lawyer and founder of Eldessouky Law; recognized in the Top 10 Labor & Employment Verdicts in California (2024) for his role in securing a $34.7M defamation and wrongful termination verdict against Walmart; with over a decade of proven results in cases involving harassment, discrimination, wage & hour, and other workplace violations
- Focus: Practical guidance based on California law and real case outcomes
- Recognized by: Eldessouky Law has been featured in major news publications such as USA Today and CBS News for our commitment to protecting California employees and securing significant legal victories
- Last updated: August 2024
You cannot legally be fired for speaking up at work about issues like discrimination, harassment, or unsafe working conditions. Federal and state laws, including the National Labor Relations Act (NLRA) and California’s labor laws, protect employees who engage in “protected activity,” such as reporting illegal conduct or participating in an investigation.
If you are fired for speaking up, this could be considered retaliation, which is illegal. You have the right to file a complaint with agencies like the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) or the California Department of Fair Employment and Housing (DFEH), which can investigate the matter and take action against your employer.
In some cases, you may also have grounds to file a wrongful termination lawsuit. If successful, you could receive remedies such as reinstatement, back pay, and compensation for emotional distress.
In summary, while it’s illegal for an employer to fire you for speaking up about workplace issues, retaliation does happen. If you believe you’ve been wrongfully terminated, consulting with an employment attorney can help you understand your rights and next steps.
