Retaliation After Reporting Wage Theft: How to Protect Yourself in California
Reporting wage theft takes courage. Unfortunately, some employers retaliate against workers who speak up. California law provides strong protections to ensure you don’t have to choose between your paycheck and your job.
What Is Wage Theft?
Wage theft occurs when an employer illegally withholds wages you earned. Common examples include:
- Not paying overtime
- Forcing you to work off the clock
- Denying meal and rest breaks
- Misclassifying workers as independent contractors
What Counts as Retaliation?
After reporting wage theft, retaliation might look like:
- Sudden demotion or firing
- Reduced hours or pay cuts
- Harassment or threats
- Blacklisting or negative job references
California law prohibits any form of retaliation for asserting your workplace rights.
Your Legal Protections
Under the California Labor Code, you are protected when you:
- File a wage claim with the Labor Commissioner
- Testify in another worker’s wage theft case
- Report violations to a government agency
If your employer retaliates, you may be entitled to:
- Reinstatement of your job
- Recovery of lost wages
- Penalties against your employer
- Legal fees covered
Steps to Protect Yourself
- Document everything – Keep records of schedules, pay stubs, and any retaliatory acts.
- Report promptly – File a retaliation complaint with the Labor Commissioner or consult an employment lawyer.
- Know your rights – Retaliation is not just unfair—it’s illegal.
You Don’t Have to Face This Alone
If you’ve been punished for standing up to wage theft, you have the law on your side. Speaking with an attorney can help protect your rights and ensure justice.
Free consultation available for California employees who’ve experienced retaliation after reporting wage theft.
