Can I get a refund of storage fees that I was made to pay by my employer under duress of losing my job?
Question Details: About4 months ago, I was stopped by the state police while driving. Upon checking my log book, the trooper cited me for violation of exceeding my driving hours. I was not allowed to drive any further and the vehicle and myself was taken to a private storage yard used by the MSP. I had to stay there for 2 hour to regain enuf hours to drive. During the stay, storage charges ($888) were incurred which the company paid but then made me reimburse to them (weekly) under duress of losing my job if I refused. My last paycheck was depleted to pay the balance.
The issue is not duress. Duress is a legal term of art that doesn't apply here. You need to review your contract and see what it tells you about such events happening. Usually an employer must address this issue in the contract if you are a W2 employee. Check with any applicable unions or state labor board on who should absorb the cost.
