What to do if I drive all over the metro area for work using my personal vehicle but am not being properly compensated?
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What to do if I drive all over the metro area for work using my personal vehicle but am not being properly compensated?
Up until last month my miles driven for work was compensated at the IRS rate of .56 cents a mile; however, my miles driven for work ballooned last month and now my employer is refusing to compensate me. I live 15 miles from one of the locations I am frequently sent to for work and HR sent me a statement communicating that because of the proximity between my home and this location I will not be compensated for my full 37 mile commute even though I’m sent to make this drive twice a week minimum (even more last month). We have had past and present workers who’ve lived minutes from locations we are frequently sent to for work and it has never been an issue for them.
Asked on October 26, 2014 under Employment Labor Law, Illinois
Answers:
SJZ, Member, New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 10 years ago | Contributor
Employers are not required to compensate employees for mileage, gasoline, etc.--it is purely voluntary for them to do this. Also, unless there is a written contract guarantying you this compensation, then even if the employer provided it in the past, they are free to change the policy at any time. From what you write, you employer may refuse to compensate you now if it chooses.
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