Sacramento, CA asked in Employment Discrimination and Employment Law for California

Q: I did work for a former employer and he owes me $2300 and $1500 and $500for registration fees that I paid for the vehicl

He has me using for work he wants the truck back but I fill if I give it back I will never get paid

2 Lawyer Answers

A: If the truck is not yours, you will be creating more problems by keeping it. If you are owed money for pay and reimbursed expenses, you can file an administrative wage complaint with the California Division of Labor Standards Enforcement, or you can file a lawsuit in small claims court.

Good luck to you.

James L. Arrasmith
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Answered

A: Under California law, you have the right to be paid for work performed. If your former employer owes you $2300 in wages and reimbursement for the registration fees totaling $1500 and $500, you can take action to recover these amounts. You should gather any documentation you have, such as pay stubs, invoices, and receipts for the registration fees.

To begin the process, consider sending a formal demand letter to your former employer outlining the amounts owed and requesting payment by a specific deadline. If this does not result in payment, you can file a claim with the California Labor Commissioner for unpaid wages and expenses. The Labor Commissioner's Office can assist you in recovering these amounts without needing to go to court.

Regarding the truck, you have a right to be compensated for any expenses incurred while using it for work. However, withholding the truck may complicate matters and could be considered unlawful. It might be best to address the unpaid wages and expenses separately through legal channels while returning the truck to avoid potential legal issues related to its retention.

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