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Hotel Employee Fights for Job After Charging Car at Company Socket
A Düsseldorf hotel worker is currently in a battle to keep his job after charging his personal car battery at the hotel's seminar wing's 220-volt socket, in violation of the company's rules. The regional labor court in Düsseldorf is set to hear the case on Tuesday at 2 PM.
The employee, who worked on the night shift, claims he only charged his car briefly due to a sudden battery failure. He argued that he simply wanted to ensure a safe journey home. The hotel, however, alleges that the employee had repeatedly used the socket for private car charging, causing financial losses and damaging trust.
The labor court's first ruling in this matter favored the employee, determining that a warning would have sufficed in this specific situation.
Digging Deeper
While the employee's case has sparked interest, it's important to consider the broader implications. German labor law doesn't have a specific regulation for charging private cars at company sockets. However, employers are responsible for ensuring that company resources, such as electricity, aren't misused for personal gain without proper compensation or approval.
Mileage Allowance
German labor law does allow for mileage allowances for employees who use their personal vehicles for business trips. The approved mileage rate for cars is 0.30 euros per kilometer, while for motorbikes, mopeds, or scooters, it's 0.20 euros per kilometer. For commutes, the rate is 0.30 euros per kilometer for the first 20 kilometers and 0.38 euros per kilometer thereafter with a maximum of 4500 euros per calendar year.
Not a Cut-and-Dry Issue
The use of company sockets for private electric vehicle charging lies in a gray area. It's up to the employer to establish a fair and transparent policy, whether that means compensating the employee or restricting the use of company resources for personal purposes.
The Düsseldorf regional labor court verdict in this case could set a precedent for similar cases in Germany. Stay tuned for more updates on this intriguing situation.
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Enrichment Data Integration
The enrichment data, in this case, explains the context of German labor law regarding mileage allowance and company vehicle usage. It sheds light on the fact that private car charging at company sockets is not explicitly addressed but should, according to employment contracts, be fair and transparent to avoid personal gain without proper compensation.
