EMPLOYER DISCRIMINATION; DISCRIMINATION – Burden of Proof; Evidence

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The charging party has the initial burden of demonstrating the “because of” element, that is, a causal connection or “nexus” between the adverse action and the protected conduct. (MMBA, § 3506.5; PERB Regulation 32603, subd. (a); Novato Unified School District (1982) PERB Decision No. 210, pp. 5-6.) Because “retaliatory conduct is inherently volitional in nature,” where it is alleged that the employer has acted in reprisal against employees for participation in protected activity, evidence of unlawful motive is the specific nexus required to establish a prima facie case. (Id. at p. 6.) (p. 8.)