A place to discuss positive changes that can make work more equitable, and to vent about current practices. We are NOT against work; we just want the fruits of our labor to be recognized better.
Our Philosophies:
Our Goals
It's crystal clear that commuting is not part of the work day, but perhaps it should be.
Just like we should only work 6 hours so we can actually have some time after to do things we want, like hobbies or just enjoying time with friends.
Work is consuming people's lives and entire identities.
if only there was a way to get work done while avoiding the commute...
There's a real easy way to come to an agreement: If you're being paid, you're at work. If you're not being paid, you're not.
Hey smooth-brain: it's actually the opposite that's true:
If you're doing anything for your employer, it should be paid. That's driving, emails, snow-removal, talking to a coworker, waiting for transportation, etc.
It’s easy:
Are you requesting I as a worker dedicate any part of my time, and/or usage of my personal resources to accomplish something for YOUR business? Yes it’s part of the work day.
If i live 3 hours from my workplace my employer should pay me for the six hours to get to and from?
maybe I'm old school...
If you live three hours from your workplace you should work remotely or get another job lol
that's the point of this outrageous example. How about this: Suppose there are two employees: Alice and Bob, who do the same job at the same factory. Alice has a 10 minute commute, Bob commutes 35 minutes. If you're the owner of the factory, how would you compensate them for their commutes?
Either:
A: compensate them equally and let Bob leave 20 minutes earlier and arrive 20 minutes later
B: compensate them equally for to traveled, meaning Bob would be compensated for 35 minutes and Alice 10.
C: pass through the tax deduction that I would get if it were company vehicle (xyz a mile) to the employee directly
If they’re putting their time and their equipment to show up for my business they should be compensated. Period.
In the UK it's pretty clearly spelled out (although not always perfectly applied, I'm sure there's still the odd boss trying it on).
Your working day starts when you arrive at your contracted place of work, and are ready to start work. Not when you walk in the door, before having a cuppa or breakfast in the office kitchen. Not after your computer has booted up and is ready for you.
If you have multiple places of work, or are travelling away from your contracted place of work, then your working day starts the moment you walk out your door and leave home.
The end of the day is the same, if you're in the office it ends and then you leave, if you're working away it ends when you get home (so factor in travel time and leave site before then).
Whether or not you actually get paid for every hour is another matter, however. Salary vs hourly work. If you're salaried it's supposed to be give and take - however it's ultimately up to you to take what you can to balance it out. Work isn't going to offer you an early finish, not as easily as they'll ask you to stay late.
This may be factual law but just because a ~~holy~~ Law book says something that does not make it true.
The way i understand and perceive my job is as a basic equation for trade. I give, my time, body and energy and in return i receive a monthly paid liveable wage and some additional perks.
When i feel my return doesn't match my input i have no reason to keep working. Many of my collogues have the benefit of a position that allowed full time WFH, mine simply does not, travel absolutely counts towards the investment i have to put in to do my work.
But to nuance my own perspective, i'm not complaining for not being paid my commute hours because i don't recognize that i am being paid in hours. My contract may state i am paid per hour but paper is imaginary. Reality is that i get a monthly deposit. And if its enough to get by, stay healthy and have a little extra, then i am content human being and worker.
Set minimum wage for any in-office position to match the amount required to purchase a house within 15 minutes average transit to the office.
Or reform land and housing so the landlord grifters stop fucking everyone over simply for having their name in a registry of who owns what.