[clegault]

Other than it's clearly not right to ask an employee to pay to do their job, do I have any legal ground to stand on? I live in the US in the state of Georgia. I was asked to go on this trip, and I said I would need a passport. I was told it's OK, we will cover it (not in writing). Once I paid and sent the forms off I was told it's company policy that you have to cover your passport fees, they would only cover the expedite fees. Well, now it's too late for me to say I won't go because everything is set and paid for now. Anything I can do?

[Alty]

I'm not sure you can force them to pay.

I'm going to try to give you an example. My husband is a machinist. As a machinist he must wear steal toed boots and coveralls at work. It's company policy. The company won't pay for them because they are requirements to do the job. Yes, they are necessary to do his job, but he still has to pay for them.

Maybe a better example. Most jobs have a dress code. Some have a higher dress code then others. If the company dress code is business attire, your company won't pay for the clothes, they're necessary to keep your job.

In this case your company asked you to travel. A passport is necessary to travel, which is something you accepted. I don't think they're obligated to pay for your passport, especially seeing as you can and most likely will use it for purposes other then your job.

[clegault]

I understand your point, but traveling internationally isn't a normal everyday task for my job. There is an emergency need for someone to go and I am the only one my company thinks can do the job.

[clegault]

Oh, and I didn't really accept it. I was mostly told that I am going.

[oneexception]

I am a contractor, for me, it would be like charging my customers for cost of the tools needed to complete their jobs. Don't get me wrong, I understand your frustration of being told they would cover it verbally. And like Altenweg said, you'll have if for future work and or personal use. ;D

[clegault]

I understand your point as well, and if I were a contractor I would agree as it would be a tool for the trade. But I am a full time employee being asked to do something outside of my normal duties and to shell out cash to do it.

[ScottGem]

First, If you have follow-up info or questions please use the Answer options near the bottom of the page, not Comments.

From a legal standpoint, you cannot force them to pay. You can ask that they produce the company policy that they are citing to make sure it exists. But, assuming it does, then there is no legal recourse. You can go to your supervisor, or whoever promised you to pick up the fees and try to negotiate something else. Maybe a higher per diem a raise in salary or some other way to compensate you.

[excon]

Hello c:

It's been a couple years since I got my passport, but it costs, what, $90?? I don't know whether your job is worth making an issue over that. If you can get another one right away, I MIGHT make an issue over it, especially since you were TOLD they would reimburse you...

Let me ask you this... IF they paid for your passport, and demanded that you surrender it to them upon your return, would you happily give it up?

excon