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Travel expenses are a common part of many jobs, particularly for those whose work involves travel outside of their regular workplace. If you’re an employee in California who incurs travel expenses as part of your job, it’s important to understand your rights and obligations under California labor law.
What are travel expenses?
Travel expenses are any costs incurred by an employee while traveling for work. This can include expenses such as:
- Transportation costs (e.g. airfare, rental cars, public transportation)
- Lodging costs (e.g. hotel stays)
- Meals and incidental expenses (e.g. tips, parking fees)
Employers may require employees to use certain vendors or services for travel expenses. However, if an employee is required to use a particular vendor or service, the employer must reimburse the employee for the full amount of the expense.
What are an employer’s obligations under California law?
Under California labor law, employers are required to reimburse employees for any necessary expenses incurred while conducting business on behalf of the employer. This includes travel expenses, as well as other expenses such as tools or equipment necessary to perform the job.
The California Labor Code requires that an employer reimburse employees for “all necessary expenditures or losses incurred by the employee in direct consequence of the discharge of his or her duties.” This means that employers must reimburse employees for the full amount of any necessary travel expenses, as long as the expenses were incurred while the employee was performing work-related duties.
If an employer fails to reimburse employees for necessary travel expenses, the employee may file a lawsuit to recover the expenses. In addition, the California Labor Commissioner may take action against the employer to enforce the reimbursement requirement.
What expenses are not covered?
While California labor law requires employers to reimburse employees for necessary travel expenses, there are some expenses that are not covered. For example, an employer is not required to reimburse an employee for expenses incurred as a result of the employee’s personal choices, such as meals or entertainment that are not directly related to work.
In addition, an employer is not required to reimburse employees for commuting expenses, such as the cost of driving to and from work each day. However, if an employee is required to travel to a different location for work, the employer must reimburse the employee for any necessary travel expenses.
What should employees do if they believe they are owed reimbursement?
If an employee believes they are owed reimbursement for travel expenses that have not been paid, they should first attempt to resolve the issue with their employer. If this is unsuccessful, the employee may file a complaint with the California Labor Commissioner or file a lawsuit against the employer.
Employees should keep careful records of any travel expenses they incur for work, including receipts and other documentation. This can help to support their claim for reimbursement if there is a dispute with the employer.
Conclusion
California labor law provides important protections for employees who incur travel expenses as part of their job duties. Employers are required to reimburse employees for any necessary travel expenses, as long as the expenses were incurred while the employee was performing work-related duties. If you have questions or concerns about your rights as an employee related to travel expenses, it’s important to seek the assistance of an experienced employment law attorney.
Frequently Asked Questions
What travel expenses are covered by California labor law?
California labor law requires employers to reimburse employees for any necessary travel expenses incurred while performing work-related duties. This can include expenses such as transportation, lodging, and meals.
What should I do if my employer refuses to reimburse me for travel expenses?
If your employer refuses to reimburse you for necessary travel expenses, you should first attempt to resolve the issue with your employer. If this is unsuccessful, you may file a complaint with the California Labor Commissioner or file a lawsuit against the employer.
What expenses are not covered by California labor law?
While California labor law requires employers to reimburse employees for necessary travel expenses, there are some expenses that are not covered, such as personal expenses that are not directly related to work, and commuting expenses.