Entire office laid off. Boss wants me to return ALL company equipment.

[mortalcoil]

What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)? California

My employer laid off the entire San Francisco office team including me. My boss has asked me to pack up and ship all the office equipment in the SF office back to headquarters.

Am I legally required to do this since I am no longer an employee? I will be returning my own equipment since I worked remotely, but he is asking me to go to the SF office and pack up other people's equipment that I never used to perform my job.

 

[eerelations]

You must return the equipment you have. As far as the others' equipment is concerned, that is work and you are legally free to accept or decline the work. If you accept, he is legally required to pay you at least minimum wage for your time spent doing it, and for related costs (packing materials, shipping costs etc.).

 

[mortalcoil]

Thanks, much appreciated!

 

[Dave1952]

Have you received notice that you have been laid-off? I ask because if you have not and you do not ship the stuff per your instructions then you will have quit and won't be eligible for UI. It's puzzling that they want a non-employee to do these tasks.