Seyfarth Synopsis: In the popular PBS show Downton Abbey, a large staff attends to the every domestic need of the British Earl and his family. Those of us somewhat less fortunate have likely felt the additional household burdens associated with the SIP orders. And as California businesses re-open, companies and workers have yet another chore to attend: cleaning uniforms
Continue Reading More Laundry? Keeping Uniforms Clean in the Time of COVID
On-Boarding Series: Uniforms and Tools and Equipment, Oh My! The Peculiarities Of California Law Regarding Reimbursement
By Laura Maechtlen and Kristen Verrastro
During onboarding, it would not be unusual for an employer to ask a new hire to give written authorization for deductions from their final paycheck if the employee does not return employer provided uniforms, tools, or equipment. It also would not be unusual for employers to ask employees to supply their own equipment and tools, or clothing as a uniform when reporting for work.
In California, however, written authorization executed during the onboarding process will not suffice for reimbursement deductions at the time of termination. Additionally in California, employers cannot require employees to supply certain clothing, tools, and equipment without reimbursement.
Uniforms
When it comes to uniforms, federal law differs from California law:
Federal law: Federal law may allow employers to pass the costs of providing or maintaining uniforms to employees, as long as the employee’s pay would not drop below minimum wage in doing so.
California law: California law requires that employers pay for or reimburse nonexempt employees for all costs associated with uniforms, regardless of the employees’ compensation.
What is a “Uniform”?
Continue Reading On-Boarding Series: Uniforms and Tools and Equipment, Oh My! The Peculiarities Of California Law Regarding Reimbursement