Santa Monica, CA asked in Employment Law for California

Q: Does this meet the bar for retaliation?

I a 64 and after nine years was terminated "at-will". Story: I was written up three times in a month for petty non-issues after my supervisor got in MUCH trouble because I put in for overtime after discussing it with her. She neglected to inform me of the"no over-time" policy and wrote me up for insubordination, plus two more times for minor issues already resolved. A few weeks later I'm terminated for "at will". Prior to the write-ups, I had received many emails on my good work.

Related Topics:
2 Lawyer Answers
Neil Pedersen
Neil Pedersen
Answered
  • Westminster, CA
  • Licensed in California

A: While it may or may not be retaliation, it is not unlawful retaliation.

Retaliation becomes unlawful if the triggering activity is some form of legally protected conduct. What you describe does not involved legally protected conduct that triggered the actions of your supervisor.

Good luck to you.

Maya L. Serkova agrees with this answer

Maya L. Serkova
Maya L. Serkova
Answered
  • Orange, CA
  • Licensed in California

A: While what you describe does not appear to be an actionable retaliation, these types of cases are very fact specific.

I suggest you consult with an employment law attorney who will further examine your situation and explain your options. Most employment law attorneys in California offer free of charge initial consultations, and thereafter may take your case on a contingency basis, meaning you do not have to pay attorney’s fees unless and until there is a positive outcome for you. They may also advance either all or partial costs of litigation.

You can look either on this site in the Find a Lawyer section or go to California Employment Layers Association (www.cela.org), an organization whose members are committed to representing employees’ rights.

Sincerely,

Maya L. Serkova

Justia Ask a Lawyer is a forum for consumers to get answers to basic legal questions. Any information sent through Justia Ask a Lawyer is not secure and is done so on a non-confidential basis only.

The use of this website to ask questions or receive answers does not create an attorney–client relationship between you and Justia, or between you and any attorney who receives your information or responds to your questions, nor is it intended to create such a relationship. Additionally, no responses on this forum constitute legal advice, which must be tailored to the specific circumstances of each case. You should not act upon information provided in Justia Ask a Lawyer without seeking professional counsel from an attorney admitted or authorized to practice in your jurisdiction. Justia assumes no responsibility to any person who relies on information contained on or received through this site and disclaims all liability in respect to such information.

Justia cannot guarantee that the information on this website (including any legal information provided by an attorney through this service) is accurate, complete, or up-to-date. While we intend to make every attempt to keep the information on this site current, the owners of and contributors to this site make no claims, promises or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness or adequacy of the information contained in or linked to from this site.