Q: NY employer asking me to sign agreement that I am responsible for any damage to equipment, including accidental. Legal?
I'm an "at will" employee and the equipment I use is only laptop, phone, etc. However, I don't want to agree to be responsible for any damage if I don't have to. I understand that if the damage is caused by gross negligence or on purpose, but this agreement would cover everything except "normal wear".
A:
Here's a link to Section 193 of New York's Labor Law.
https://www.labor.ny.gov/formsdocs/wp/ls605.pdf
Not legal advice. No lawyer client relationship. No assurance that this is the latest version of Section 193 nor that it is all inclusive. Contact a New York employment lawyer to review anything you sign before you sign it for a flat fee if you would like a definitive legal opinion.
A: Under New York law, employers are generally not permitted to deduct from employees' pay to cover damage to company property. So even if you sign the agreement, you might have a claim for illegal deductions if your employer ever docks your pay to cover damage.
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