If this happened to you....

[punkncat]

This is a "theoretical" situation.

I drive a truck for my job that is stocked with tools to perform the work with. I am not the only person who drives the truck. I am supposed to be able to drive this truck home every day, and be completly responsible for it. Since gas prices went up, even a bit before that, the truck was taken away, and there are at least 3 other people that have access to and use the truck on a daily basis.

Two weeks ago we worked on a job where we used a specific tool. Actually another guy who uses another truck most of the time, but is one of the ones with access, used the tool. At the end of the day 4 people were on the job and as far as I know all the tools were loaded back on the truck. I didn't load the tool in question, but it wasn't laying around when I walked the house last.

Last week I worked close to home so I didn't use the truck at all. I didn't use, look for, or even remember seeing ( or missing ) the tool in question. I went out the the truck today, opened the door the tool stays in looking for another item, noticed it was missing and asked about it. I asked my normal work companion and the two others who have access to the truck. No one has seen or knows anything about the missing tool.

In spite of the fact that I didn't use it last, didn't drive the truck last week, and can't remember seeing it left on the job where I didn't use it....I am expected to be responsible for buying a new one to replace it. The reason is I am the "senior man" on the truck that I am "responsible" for.
Topped off by the fact that the more than well used tool is supposed to be replaced with a new one.

[Will Wood]

I'll assume you already tried to talk to your coworkers and find out who used it last, but no one is fessing up?

In that case, I think you should all have to split it then. That's pretty much all you can do.

[Tunaman]

I'd tell them to kiss my you know what...twice. You are obviously quite responsible when it comes to knowing what was on your truck so it had to be one of the other guys. Let them pay for it.

[Maggot6]

2005th post for you...Nice year as well

I can see their hypothetical (heh) side of the story. Because you were supposed to be in "charge"...But were you given any extra pay or, privileges for this truck? Maybe you were assumed to be the senior person of this truck. ASsuming this tool is kinda expensive, I'd ask for them to proove that you have to pay for it. And that why would all the members who use the truck pay a fraction of the cost, for no one knows who lost it..

[Steelrat]

This is a "theoretical" situation.

I drive a truck for my job that is stocked with tools to perform the work with. I am not the only person who drives the truck. I am supposed to be able to drive this truck home every day, and be completly responsible for it. Since gas prices went up, even a bit before that, the truck was taken away, and there are at least 3 other people that have access to and use the truck on a daily basis.

Two weeks ago we worked on a job where we used a specific tool. Actually another guy who uses another truck most of the time, but is one of the ones with access, used the tool. At the end of the day 4 people were on the job and as far as I know all the tools were loaded back on the truck. I didn't load the tool in question, but it wasn't laying around when I walked the house last.

Last week I worked close to home so I didn't use the truck at all. I didn't use, look for, or even remember seeing ( or missing ) the tool in question. I went out the the truck today, opened the door the tool stays in looking for another item, noticed it was missing and asked about it. I asked my normal work companion and the two others who have access to the truck. No one has seen or knows anything about the missing tool.

In spite of the fact that I didn't use it last, didn't drive the truck last week, and can't remember seeing it left on the job where I didn't use it....I am expected to be responsible for buying a new one to replace it. The reason is I am the "senior man" on the truck that I am "responsible" for.
Topped off by the fact that the more than well used tool is supposed to be replaced with a new one.

Screw that. They don't let you take the truck home, they let several other people use the truck, and yet somehow you are responsible for all the tools in the truck? Uh, no.

[Maksimus54]

I would refuse to pay entirely or at least demand the others split the cost. Seeing as you don't control the truck all the time it shouldn't be your responsibility all the time.

[punkncat]

Well I see where you are all coming from and mostly am in agreement. I am pissed that I would even have to pay a fraction of the cost of the tool, since I didn't use it...but I can't prove that.
What really sux about the situation is that I can't afford to be unemployed right now. I mean who can? And they are the ones paying me, so if they decided I was buying a new tool, it isn't as if they can't get the money.

[Steelrat]

Well I see where you are all coming from and mostly am in agreement. I am pissed that I would even have to pay a fraction of the cost of the tool, since I didn't use it...but I can't prove that.
What really sux about the situation is that I can't afford to be unemployed right now. I mean who can? And they are the ones paying me, so if they decided I was buying a new tool, it isn't as if they can't get the money.

If they can get away with that, do you really think it'll stop with one tool?

[punkncat]

If they can get away with that, do you really think it'll stop with one tool?

Belive me brotha, I feel ya!!

But honestly what am I to do beyond pulling down my shorts and greasing it up?

I have 0 extra $$ for a lawyer and 0 room to stop my flow right now.

[SCpoloRicker]

Was there an implied "pay for this or else..."?

Because that is definately out of line. As 'senior' guy on the truck, I can understand your sup expecting you to account for the tool, but that doesn't mean you should replace the tool out of our own pocket.

GL

[Lohman446]

I have never expected one of my techs to pay for something damaged - its a cost of doing business, equipment replacement that is. They do not likely ahve the authority to bill you for it anyways. I would discuss TOTAL equipment control of that truck if you are expected to pay for anything. Oh, and if I did, I would hold the receipt, deduct it on my taxes as a business expense, and then keep the thing when I no longer worked there.