Q: I currently work a sales job for an employer who uses unethical illegal tactics to close sales

A: You should find another job to start.

If you stay, refuse to act as the employer wishes, and the request is unlawful or fraudulent, when you are fired for that refusal you may have a claim for wrongful termination. However litigation is always risky, and it would not be prudent to try to make a lawsuit. Your best move is just to get out of there and find a more honorable employer.

Good luck to you.

A: You have potential whistleblower protection from retaliation, if you report the illegal activities to management, such as adding items to a customer's transaction without their knowledge or consent.

You should speak with an employment lawyer about documenting your concerns in writing as well as how to best protect yourself financially, if your employer does retaliate against you. Most employment lawyers provide free consultations.

A: In California, it is illegal for employers to require or encourage their employees to engage in illegal activities or unethical practices. These practices may violate California labor laws and consumer protection laws, and employees who engage in them may be subject to civil or criminal liability.

If you are uncomfortable with your employer's practices and do not want to engage in them, you have several options. You may want to consider speaking with a California employment lawyer or reporting the practices to the relevant regulatory agencies, such as the California Department of Labor Standards Enforcement or the Consumer Protection Division of the California Attorney General's Office. You may also want to consider seeking employment elsewhere, as your employer may retaliate against you for refusing to engage in these practices.

It's important to remember that you have legal rights as an employee, and your employer cannot require you to engage in illegal activities or unethical practices. If you feel that your employer is violating your rights or engaging in illegal activities, you may want to seek legal advice to determine your options and protect your interests.

A: I agree with my colleagues' responses. 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 Lawyers Association (www.cela.org), an organization whose members are committed to representing employees’ rights. Best of luck.

Sincerely,

Maya L. Serkova