where is it written....?

[twoturn]

Hi,

I am looking for the proper law or labor rule which prevents an employer from withholding tools, which I own and need for my work. I have not been directly employed since March and since March I was working with one of the business owners on a development project which didn't require my tools. I have since decided to return to my field of expertise and the company management and other owners now believe that I should pay them for invoices that are not real before they release my tools.

I would appreciate some insight if someone could help a man out.

Thank you.

Gene

 

[cbg]

The law does not directly address this issue. There is no law that specifies "Tools must be released when..."

You are, however, free to sue them in small claims court, should the value of the tools be within their limits.

 

[twoturn]

The tools are valued in excess of 20,000 dollars and this, if I am correct exceeds the amount of small claims. I did speak with a D.A. and there is a law which prevents employers from "self help" regarding monies owed by an employee.

My tools are crucial to my new position and it is not likely that my new employer will want to keep me on staff unless I have adequate tools. I realize in other labor law it is illegal to require an employee to provide certain equipment, but in the real world it is not likely that someone like myself would get very far without them. I am a specialist in the automotive trades.

Thanks, any case history that someone might know of could be a source to strengthen my case. It seems a lawyer may be needed.

Gene

 

[cbg]

Since the value of the tools exceeds the limit of small claims (you are right about that) I agree that you will need a lawyer.