California encourages employees to report violations of laws, regulations, or unsafe work conditions. Whistleblowers are legally protected from retaliation.
Who Is Protected?
Any employee—public or private—who:
Reports suspected violations to a government or law enforcement agency, supervisor, or authority figure.
Testifies or provides information during investigations or hearings.
Refuses to participate in illegal or noncompliant activity.
Is perceived to be a whistleblower, even if they haven’t yet acted.
What Is a Whistleblower?
An employee who reports or refuses to engage in:
Violations of state or federal statutes
Noncompliance with laws or regulations
Unsafe working conditions
Employer Responsibilities:
Employers must not:
Create rules that prevent whistleblowing
Retaliate against current or former employees for whistleblowing
Take action against employees perceived to be whistleblowers
Retaliate for refusing to participate in illegal acts
If Retaliation Occurs:
The employer may be required to:
Reinstate the employee
Pay back wages and benefits
Cover civil penalties
Comply fully with the law
Report Improper Conduct:
Contact the California Attorney General’s Whistleblower Hotline:
1-800-952-5225
Calls are referred to the proper investigating authority.
See attachement for more details