How California Protects Workers Who Report Wage Violations

Retaliation against workers who assert wage rights is illegal in California — and the protections are strong. Employers who fire, demote, or otherwise punish workers for filing claims or complaining internally face additional liability.

The Retaliation Framework

Labor Code § 98.6 prohibits retaliation against workers who file DLSE claims, testify in proceedings, or participate in any wage enforcement action. Violations can result in reinstatement, back pay, and additional penalties. The law also creates a rebuttable presumption of retaliation if adverse action is taken within 90 days of protected activity.

Document everything before you file. Workers who experience retaliation after filing a claim should document every adverse action immediately — with dates, what was said, who was present, and what changed. That documentation is the foundation of the retaliation claim.

The California Wage Theft Recovery System gives workers the exact tools and templates to document violations, calculate what they’re owed, and file the right claims at the right agencies — without paying an attorney to get started. Request your free evaluation here.