Bielser
Bielser v. Professional Systems Corp.
Opinion
Lead Opinion
MEMORANDUM ***
Audrey Bielser appeals the district court’s grant of summary judgment on her claim for tortious discharge against her former employer Professional Systems Corporation (“PSC”). Bielser claims that PSC retaliated against her for disclosing to management that PSC was fraudulently and illegally overcharging one of its clients; conduct she argues constituted protected whistleblowing activity.
Over the course of her employment, Bielser claims that she discovered that PSC was fraudulently and illegally overcharging one of its clients. She pointed out PSC’s fraudulent and potentially illegal activities to its management, including the Chief Executive Officer. Shortly thereafter, on or about March 27, 2003, PSC *656 terminated Bielser’s employment. She then brought suit for tortious discharge.
To establish a prima facie case of wrongful termination, an employee must demonstrate: 1) a protected activity; 2) an adverse employment action; and (3) a causal link between the protected activity and the adverse employment action. See Steiner v. Showboat Operating Co., 25 F.3d 1459, 1464 (9th Cir.1994). That is, a plaintiff must make a showing that he was fired “because of’…