Losing your job for unclear reasons can feel overwhelming and unfair. If you live or work in Woodland Hills or nearby communities, knowing whether your employer acted unlawfully when they terminated your employment can help you understand your rights. Here are three signs your employer may have crossed the line.
You were fired shortly after bringing up issues
Speaking up about safety issues, discrimination or harassment should not cause you to lose your job. If your employer fired you soon after you raised such concerns, they may have retaliated against you.
Federal regulations, enforced by the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), forbid employers from retaliating against workers who assert their rights, such as reporting discrimination or assisting with investigations.
Unfortunately, it is not uncommon for employers to fire workers who speak up or participate in workplace probes, often without giving a clear reason for the dismissal.
You noticed unequal treatment before losing your job
Employers must be consistent in applying rules when they fire workers. If they treated you differently because of your race, gender, age or other protected traits, they might have been breaking the law.
If your employer imposed harsher punishments on you compared to your colleagues or excluded you from work opportunities, it may suggest unfair bias. It may also show inconsistency with rule enforcement.
You were fired after taking a protected leave
Laws like the Family and Medical Leave Act and the California Family Rights Act protect your rights to take time off for medical or family reasons without risking your job.
If your employer terminated you after you took this leave, even when you followed the rules and received approval, the following signs may indicate wrongful termination:
- Upon returning to work, your employer dismissed you without warning or a clear reason
- Other workers with similar roles and records retained their positions, while you did not
If you notice these indicators, your firing may qualify as unjust termination under state or federal law.
Recognizing unfair dismissal and moving forward
Workers in California, especially those holding hands-on or hourly jobs, deserve fair and respectful treatment. Although a dismissal might seem standard, there are subtle indicators that could show a violation of your rights.
Watch for signs of retaliation, bias or unfair treatment in how your employer managed your termination. If you notice these patterns, take time to reflect on what happened and consider speaking with a professional about your next steps.
