Grant-Burton v. Covenant Care, Inc. 99 Cal.App.4th 1361
Jul 10, 2002OUTCOME: Reversed in favor of Plaintiff
Plaintiff sued her employer for wrongful termination. Plaintiff alleged that she was terminated by Human Resources because she discussed the amount of her bonus with her co-workers. The evidence showed ... that six days after Plaintiff discussed her bonuses, she was terminated. Management testified at a deposition in this case that it did not condone employees talking about their wages because it might offend someone. Management also testified that Plaintiff's discharge was also based on what Plaintiff said at the meeting where she discussed her bonus. The trial court granted the employer's motion for summary judgment. The Plaintiff appealed. The Court of Appeal concluded that the Plaintiff had a fundamental right rooted in public policy to join in a discussion with other employees about whether they were being equitably compensated. The Court of Appeal reversed as to the wrongful termination claim.
