Legal Question in Employment Law in California

Terminated Employee's Personal Property

My previous employer is refusing to let me pick up my personal property that I was unable to take with me the day that I was terminated. The job required ''own tools''- Tools that are worth approx. 3,000.00. Their reason for keeping my tools is because I had not turned in my company uniforms, worth maybe $50.00. Can they, legally, refuse me my own property?? (Also, I am unable to start my new job until I have my tools).


Asked on 11/18/00, 2:48 am

2 Answers from Attorneys
Ken Koury Kenneth P. Koury, Esq.

Re: Terminated Employee's Personal Property

No, they cannot legally keep your tools but you�ll have to go small claims court to get them back.

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Answered on 11/28/00, 3:55 am
Thomas Pavone Pavone & Cohen

Re: Terminated Employee's Personal Property

The Labor Commissioner will accept (under Labor Code Section 96(g), Claims for the return of workers' tools in the illegal possession of another person. Contact the nearest office of the Department of Industrial Relations, Division of Labor Standards Enforcement, to file a Claim.

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Answered on 12/01/00, 2:50 am


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