Firing an employee for a reason that violates public policy is called wrongfully termination.
An employee who discloses a legal violation to the government, law enforcement, or a supervisor- is called a whistleblower.
Employees are protected against retaliation by Cal. Labor Code § 1102.5 for whistleblowing— if the employee has reasonable cause to believe the information discloses a violation of state or federal law.
More Information
California Labor Code Section 1102.5:
(a) An employer may not make, adopt, or enforce any rule, regulation, or policy preventing an employee from disclosing information to a government or law enforcement agency, where the employee has reasonable cause to believe that the information discloses a violation of state or federal statute, or a violation or noncompliance with a state or federal rule or regulation.
(b) An employer may not retaliate against an employee for disclosing information to a government or law enforcement agency, where the employee has reasonable cause to believe that the information discloses a violation of state or federal statute, or a violation or noncompliance with a state or federal rule or regulation.
(c) An employer may not retaliate against an employee for refusing to participate in an activity that would result in a violation of state or federal statute, or a violation or noncompliance with a state or federal rule or regulation.
If you have any questions or if you believe your rights have been violated, don’t hesitate to contact us for a free consultation.