California law prohibits your employer from retaliating against you for reporting wage theft. Examples of retaliation include: firing you (wrongful termination); demoting you; denying you a promotion; reducing your pay or work hours; and/or discriminating against you. If you have been retaliated against by your employer, you submit a complaint with the Labor Commissioner or file a lawsuit. The statute of limitations is one year from the retaliatory act. If you win your case, you could be reinstated to your old job (if you were fired or demoted) and be compensated for any unpaid wages.