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How to Report an Employer For Unfair Treatment in California

To report an employer for unfair treatment, you can file a complaint with:

  • Labor Enforcement Task Force (LETF)
  • Civil Rights Department (CRD)
  • Labor Commissioner’s Office

Follow these steps to report the issue properly:

  1. Understand your rights.
  2. Document the violations.
  3. Explore internal complaint procedures.
  4. File a complaint with government agencies.
  5. Consult with our employment lawyer.
  6. Follow up on your complaint.

Unfairly treated at work? We can help!

If you’re experiencing mistreatment in the workplace, Feher Law is here to support you. Our team specializes in employment law and will fight to protect your rights. From discrimination and harassment to wage disputes, we provide expert guidance and representation every step of the way.

Take the first step toward justice today.

How do I file a complaint against a company in California?

If you believe a company in California has violated your workplace rights, here’s how you can take action effectively:

1. Understand your rights

State laws protect against discrimination, harassment, wage theft, wrongful termination, and unsafe work conditions. For example, under the California Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA), discrimination based on race, gender, age, or other protected characteristics is prohibited. At the same time, labor laws ensure fair pay, overtime, and mandated breaks.

If you’re denied a promotion due to gender or have wages unfairly deducted, your employer may be breaking the law. While you can familiarize yourself with relevant protections, the law surrounding this can be complicated.

By seeking advice from our California workplace discrimination lawyers, we ensure your complaint is well-founded.

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2. Document the violations

Keep a detailed record of incidents, including dates, times, locations, and individuals involved. Be specific about what occurred and how it violated your rights.

For example, if your employer denied you overtime pay, note the hours you worked beyond your regular schedule, the corresponding dates, and any communications with your employer regarding pay. 

Prepare to provide supporting evidence to strengthen your claim. Save emails, text messages, or other correspondence that demonstrate the violation. If possible, take photos or videos of unsafe working conditions or other tangible evidence of misconduct.

These records serve as proof when filing your complaint and ensure your case is taken seriously by government agencies or in legal proceedings.

3. Explore internal complaint procedures

Starting internally can often lead to a quicker resolution and shows that you allowed the company to address the issue before involving outside agencies.

Many employers have formal grievance processes outlined in an employee handbook or code of conduct, which typically involve reporting concerns to HR or submitting a formal complaint through an internal portal.

For instance, if you face workplace harassment, your first step should be to report it to HR with detailed evidence. Follow the grievance policy closely, which may include filing a written complaint and participating in discussions.

If the internal process fails or results in retaliation, you can escalate the matter to a relevant government agency for further action via our California employment lawyers.

4. File a complaint with government agencies

Depending on the nature of the issue, different government agencies in California handle specific workplace complaints.

For example, the Civil Rights Department (CRD) addresses claims of discrimination or harassment under California’s anti-discrimination laws.

Meanwhile, cases involving wage theft, unpaid overtime, or unsafe working conditions fall under the jurisdiction of the California Labor Commissioner’s Office or OSHA, which enforces labor and safety standards. 

Most agencies allow complaints to be submitted online, in person, or via mail, and they often provide multilingual support. Filing promptly is also important, as complaints are subject to deadlines—such as the one-year time limit for filing discrimination claims with the CRD.

A Huntington Beach workplace discrimination lawyer from our firm will file the complaint on your behalf and ensure your rights as an employee are upheld.

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5. Consult with our employment lawyer

We will help you determine if your situation involves discrimination, harassment, wage violations, or other illegal practices, and guide you on the best course of action. For example, if you were wrongfully terminated after reporting unsafe working conditions, our attorneys will help prove retaliation, a violation under California law.

Our employment lawyers provide personalized advice tailored to your situation, helping you gather evidence, meet critical filing deadlines, and communicate effectively with government agencies.

Whether you need assistance drafting a formal complaint to the Labor Commissioner’s Office or pursuing a lawsuit against your employer, we ensure your case is handled professionally and efficiently. 

6. Follow up on your complaint

After submitting your complaint to a government agency like the Labor Commissioner’s Office or the Civil Rights Department (CRD), we confirm receipt and request a timeline for their investigation.

For example, if you file a wage complaint with the Labor Commissioner, they may schedule a conference or hearing to address your claim. Attend all scheduled meetings and respond promptly to requests for additional information or documentation to avoid delays.

Our lawyers will coordinate with you to monitor updates and assess the next steps.

In some cases, employers may attempt to resolve the issue through settlement offers. Persistence in following up demonstrates your commitment and helps maintain accountability throughout the process.

How to file a harassment complaint in California: in summary

Filing a harassment complaint in California involves a clear process to ensure your rights are protected—here are the essential steps to take:

  1. Understand Your Rights: Review California’s workplace harassment laws under the California Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA).
  2. Document the Harassment: Record detailed notes about incidents, including dates, times, locations, individuals involved, and any witnesses.
  3. Report Internally (if applicable): Notify your employer or human resources department about the harassment. Request a copy of your company’s anti-harassment policy.
  4. File a Complaint with the California Civil Rights Department (CRD): We will file a formal complaint online on your behalf, providing all required details about the harassment and any attempts to address it internally.
  5. Consider Legal Action: If the issue isn’t resolved through the CRD, we may use a “Right to Sue” letter and file a lawsuit in civil court.
  6. Follow Up on Your Complaint: We will regularly check the status of your complaint with the CRD and will be proactive in providing any updates or new evidence to strengthen your case.

Key examples of unfair workplace treatment in our experience

Our team has handled countless cases, but these are the most instances of unfair workplace treatment we see:

  • Discrimination: Being treated unfairly based on race, gender, age, disability, religion, or other protected characteristics.
  • Harassment: Experiencing verbal, physical, or sexual harassment that creates a hostile work environment.
  • Wage Theft: Not being paid for overtime, commissions, or earned wages, or being denied breaks.
  • Retaliation: Facing negative consequences (such as demotion or firing) after reporting illegal or unethical behavior.
  • Wrongful Termination: Being fired for illegal reasons, such as discrimination or in violation of an employment contract.
  • Failure to Accommodate: Not providing reasonable accommodations for employees with disabilities or medical conditions.
  • Unpaid Leave Violations: Denying an employee’s right to take family or medical leave under state or federal law.
  • Unfair Discipline: Being unfairly disciplined or penalized for actions that are not in line with company policy.
  • Unequal Pay: Being paid less than coworkers for performing the same job or duties.
  • Unsafe Working Conditions: Exposure to unsafe working conditions without proper protections.
  • Demoted : Being unfairly reduced in rank or responsibilities without valid reasons.
  • Excluded from Staff Meetings, Training, or Activities: Being left out of key workplace events or opportunities offered to others.
  • Given Undesirable Work Assignments: Being assigned tasks that are not aligned with your role or career goals.
  • Having Your Pay or Hours Cut: Having your wages or working hours reduced without justifiable cause.

Are you the victim of unfairness in the workplace? Trust Feher Law for expert legal advice

If you’re experiencing unfairness in the workplace, we specialize in protecting employees from unlawful practices and ensuring they have a fair chance to address workplace issues. Our team offers expert legal advice to guide you through the complexities of employment law and help you take appropriate action.

Don’t let workplace unfairness go unchecked. Trust Feher Law for expert legal guidance and personalized support every step of the way. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation and take the first step toward resolving your case. We’re here to help you fight for your rights and get the fair treatment you deserve.

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FAQs

Can I sue my employer for emotional distress in California?

Yes, you can sue your employer for emotional distress in California if their actions, such as harassment, discrimination, or wrongful termination, caused significant emotional harm. To succeed, you must show that the employer’s conduct was outrageous or extreme and directly led to your emotional distress.

A hostile work environment in California occurs when an employee faces repeated, severe, or pervasive harassment that creates an intimidating, offensive, or abusive atmosphere. This can include verbal, physical, or sexual harassment based on protected characteristics like race, gender, or disability, making it difficult for the employee to perform their job

Employer retaliation in California occurs when an employer punishes or discriminates against an employee for engaging in legally protected activities, such as reporting workplace violations, filing a workers’ compensation claim, or participating in an investigation. Retaliatory actions can include firing, demoting, or reducing an employee’s hours or pay.

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