Q: Must employer pay for internet etc. During pandemic and when at home for 1.5 years?

A: In short, yes. An employer is required to reimburse an employee who incurs an expense performing their job. When your company sent you home to work, it was requiring you to use the internet, and your phone, etc. The company should have paid that percentage of the internet service bill that matches the amount of time you worked divided by the total amount of internet usage, The same is true regarding mobile phone service.

If the company across the board failed to reimburse its employees for these kinds of things, you can bring not only an action to get your reimbursements, but you can likely bring a collective action.

It would be wise for you to locate and consult with an experienced employment law attorney as soon as possible to explore your facts and determine your options. I would suggest you look either on this site, or go to www.cela.org, the home page for the California Employment Lawyers Association, an organization whose members are dedicated to the representation of employees against their employers.

Most employment attorneys who practice this area of law offer a free or low cost consultation in the beginning and then, if the matter has merit and value, will usually agree to work on a contingency basis, meaning you can hire an attorney without paying any money until the matter results in a positive outcome for you. Many advance all the costs of the litigation as well. Do not let fear of fees and costs keep you from finding a good attorney.

Good luck to you.

A: The short answer is yes. If your employer did not reimburse employees for the reasonable cost of remote work, then you and your fellow employees are entitled to reimbursement and can file a class action. The reimbursement includes use of cell phone, internet, office equipment, supplies, etc.

You should speak with an employment attorney. Most provide free consultations.