Whistle Blower Statute Applying To Violations Of State Laws Does Not Apply To Violations Of Charter City’s “Municipal” Laws.

Plaintiff brought an action against a city for wrongful termination in retaliation for her refusal to violate the City’s charter, municipal code and its civil service rules and regulations. The trial court dismissed the whistle blower action under Labor Code section 1102.5 (c). The appellate court affirmed, stating:  “The primary question presented by this appeal is a question of first impression under California law:  Should alleged violations of a charter city’s municipal law be deemed violations of state law for purposes of section 1102.5(c)? Based on principles of statutory construction and public policy considerations, we hold that they should not, and accordingly, we affirm.”  Edgerly v. City of Oakland (Cal. App. First Dist., Div. 4; December 12, 2012) (As Mod. December 13, 2012) 211 Cal.App.4th 1191.