California Justices Ease Burden for Workers in Retaliation Suits

California employers must meet a higher evidence standard to shake retaliation suits filed by fired employees, the state Supreme Court said Wednesday.

The justices said a paint-making company facing allegations that it fired an employee for anonymously reporting fraudulent practices is required to disprove retaliation by “clear and convincing evidence” to win summary judgment, as required by California’s Labor Code.

Wallen Lawson sued PPG Architectural Finishes, part of Pittsburgh-based PPG Industries Inc., for retaliation in the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California. Lawson alleged he was fired after anonymously reporting his supervisor’s directive to mistint paint ...