Legal Question in Employment Law in Pennsylvania

Tools stolen at work

I work as a machinist in a shop that was recently buglarized. Several of the employees had personal tools taken. The owner of the shop initially said he'd replace our stolen tools. However, some of the guys have come up with outrageous lists, so the owner says he won't replace anything. Is he responsible for our stolen tools?


Asked on 1/13/08, 11:34 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Roger Traversa Arjont Group (Law Office of Roger Traversa)

Re: Tools stolen at work

You asked about an employer replacing stolen tools.

This is a common and difficult situation. Often both or either party can be held responsible depending on the situation.

My suggestion would be to get a neutral third party to review the situation and come up with a solution. Most likely the owner should replace anything within the basic tool set that was (likely) stolen. Then the owner should review on an individual basis requests for replacement of anything outside of the basic tool set that went missing. Can the machinists demonstrate what tools they actually owned (receipts, photos, etc.)? You know if you spent a chunk of change on a tool(s) that it's deductible on your taxes and therefore you needed to keep a receipt.

It's shameful that the workers try to cheat a person who graciously offered to replace tools where the question is wide open as to whether or not it is his duty.

I would be happy to act as a neutral if the owner would like.

Regards,

Roger

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Answered on 1/14/08, 2:37 pm


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