I work from home one day in the week and commute to the office the remaining four days. This commute takes up a total of ~2.5 hours a day (I do not mind the commute). I live in the Netherlands with my parents, and use a rented bike as well as the train for my commute.
After finishing my internship and having been graduated, the company (15-20 people) offered me a fulltime position. Upon reviewing the proposed contract I raised the point of travel allowance, and asked if this would be covered or not. I was told that this would be reviewed.
I was later told that they do not usually renegotiate proposed contracts and that this would be no exception. I was informed that since I live with my parents, they did not think it was fair to compensate me for my travel costs.
I had already done some research, and figured that if the company were to pay for my train card as a business I would be cheaper off than if I were to buy it myself as a consumer. I asked if they would be willing to pay for this business train card and cutting the monthly costs from my paycheck, to which they agreed.
Fast forward a few months; everyone was informed that those within the proximity of the office would be given a fixed travel allowance for their commute to the office. (E.g. for bike rental expenses)
I proceeded to ask a member of management in private if this would also affect anything about my arrangement, from who I got the indication that this would not affect me.
I cannot help but feel like I am paying for my own commute and am now treated unfairly in comparison to my other colleagues. There are others who also travel commute from further away, but I am not sure what their arrangement is like. It feels like I am treated this way because of my choice to live with my parents to save on costs.
To give some indication:
- Bike rental is ~€15 a month
- Train card is ~€240 a month
Comes down to a total of ~€3,060 a year I am paying right now. Excluding the fact that I spend 40 hours a month commuting.
I feel awkward bringing up the topic of pay, based on how they responded when I first brought up the travel allowance. Should I voice my thoughts on the matter with management? Am I wrong in thinking this is unfair?