Stealing from employer

[grapes]

Hi All:
Here’s my dilema. I work in construction. Many jobs have “consumable” tools included in the cost of a job. An example of these tools would be files, drill bits, welding supplies etc. At the end of the job these consumables are put back in workmens tool boxes our returned to a supply trailer.
My question, if I take these consumables home am I stealing. Just to add my foremen tell me to go ahead and take them (because of the above explanation) and that they would be disposed of because of the cost of restocking.
Stealing is still stealing and maybe I should just leave the stuff there.
God Bless
Grapes

 

[Prophesy]

Stealing is stealing, but stealing is taking property without permission. If your foreman is your full superior (i.e. you don’t have a manager above him, etc), then when he says you can take the tools, it’s not stealing. If he isn’t you can just ask him if he’s cleared it with the superior.

But that’s my thoughts.

-Prophecy

 

[Joe_Kelley]

Stealing is taking something of value from another. Your foreman appears to have stated that the tools have no further value to your employer. Since he said it is okay to take them, and your employer has no policy against your taking them, I don’t see any wrong doing.

 

[teachccd]

I have been a construction electrician for over thirty years. I know exactly what you are concerned about. Many times after a job clean-off there will be a number of items that end up in the trash. Also there are those smaller items that end up in our tool bags or boxes. I’ve always looked at it in the way of intention. Many times I’m glad that I have those items for the next job since they were not to be found on the shelf. Obviously if I am taking rolls of new wire or good tools that I know go back to the shop then that would be stealing. Things like dimmer switches or other items that I might use personally I will always ask. In fact, one time I asked my immediate foreman if I could take a left over light fixture home to install in my garage. He told me that I could since there was no need for it on this particular job. Then, after installing it in my garage, my general foreman tells my foreman that they changed their minds and they wanted to install that fixture on the job. So I went home and took it down and brought it back.

So, I think that you have that gut feeling with your experience as to whether or not you are stealing. You know that some items are consumables and will be discarded. It’s all about intention and if you get that “I shouldn’t be taking this” feeling then don’t. Otherwise I don’t consider taking home some wirenuts and flex connectors as stealing. I hope that this helps… teachccd