Even Temps Can Get Reimbursed for Mileage

Q: Are companies required to reimburse temporary employees for mileage while traveling on company business? I drive up to 140 miles a week on company business but have been told that I’m not eligible for mileage reimbursement because I’m a temporary employee.

--S.B., Santa Clarita

A: Employers are required to reimburse employees for mileage driven for business purposes, regardless of whether the employee is temporary. Such reimbursement can be at the current IRS rate per mile driven--31 cents--or the employer and employee can agree on another reasonable method of reimbursement, such as a monthly automobile allowance.

l --James J. McDonald Jr.

Attorney, Fisher & Phillips LLP

Labor law instructor, UC Irvine