There are many laws at both the state and federal levels protecting the rights of workers. California laws often expand on federal protections and prioritize the well-being of employees. Workers in many professions may find that they have to make purchases or absorb certain expenses while fulfilling job responsibilities.
For example, an HVAC professional driving a fleet vehicle to service residential properties might need to put fuel in the vehicle or run to the store to buy equipment that they require to complete service for a customer. Under California state statutes, workers who incur expenses related to the completion of their job responsibilities have a right to reimbursement.
Sometimes, employers do not uphold this obligation and may deny workers the reimbursement they deserve. In some cases, they may even retaliate against workers who seek reimbursement by demoting or terminating them.
Company policy does not supersede state law
Many professionals in positions that require purchases or financial flexibility already have support from their employers. Businesses provide workers with company expense cards that they can use for business-related purchases. Other times, employers have clear policies that allow workers to submit invoices and receipts for reimbursement.
Even in cases where employers do not explicitly authorize reimbursement, state law protects the rights of workers who cover job-related expenses with their own resources. Workers can ask for compensation for one-time purchases. They have a right to receive mileage reimbursement if they drive their own vehicles while performing job functions. They can even ask for an employer to cover mobile phone costs if they must use their personal device for their job.
Unfortunately, some employers resent the need to reimburse their workers. They may deny the worker’s request even though the company benefited from the transaction that they completed or the work they performed using their own resources.
Workers may find themselves facing denied reimbursement requests or an employer outright stonewalling their efforts to recover what they paid. Workers denied appropriate reimbursement or facing unfair retaliation for making reimbursement requests may need help asserting themselves.
Learning more about California’s employment laws and demanding that employers respect them is often easier with support. Employees not receiving fair treatment from their employers may need to talk with a lawyer to determine their options and obtain the reimbursement that they deserve in accordance with state law.