Apparently in some trades it's common for employees to provide their own tools. It's usually more basic stuff like hammers and screwdrivers. A mechanic is not g

Apparently in some trades it's common for employees to provide their own tools. It's usually more basic stuff like hammers and screwdrivers. A mechanic is not going to provide their own tire balancing machine. For example, here's a tool list from an electrical workers' union: https://ibew234.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/Tool_List_from_Inside_Agreement_2015.pdf https://ibew234.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/Tool_List_fro... There are labor laws related to this. According to one lawyer's site[1], in California employers can require employees to provide their own tools if they pay them double the minimum wage. Otherwise the employer has to provide everything. You could debate whether this is the best system, but the point is it's customary. A computer is a tool, but is it comparable to the kind of tool employees are expected to provide in other industries? I think it's borderline. A computer costs more than a hammer or a screwdrivers. However, a computer could easily be the only tool you need, so arguably the comparison could be to a worker's entire set of tools. The cost of a low-end computer might be in the same ballpark as that[2]. So I don't think you can conclude that it's definitely the employer's fault on the basis that they can't require you to provide a computer, because although it's borderline, maybe they can. Having said that, the practical solution might be to just decide whether the job is worth it to you, and if this job is your best overall option, buy a second computer. You can get a brand new Windows laptop for $300. It sucks, but letting them screw up your computer and losing the job might not be the only two options. --- [1] https://pridelegal.com/tools-on-the-job-in-california-who-provides-them/ https://pridelegal.com/tools-on-the-job-in-california-who-pr... [2] As a reference point, the electrical worker document says an employer must reimburse up to $890 if an employee's tools are lost.