EWN reports that skyrocketing fuel prices are pushing workers to the edge, with some saying they can no longer afford to travel to work. Rising petrol costs, alongside increases in electricity and insurance, have placed growing pressure on household budgets. For many employees, commuting is becoming unaffordable before the end of the month.

Remote work debate returns
Labour consultant Tony Healy said conversations around working from home are resurfacing as fuel prices climb. He said while some roles can be done remotely, many workers remain tied to physical workplaces.

“There are certain support staff, maybe accounting, maybe sales, those kinds of employees can work remotely,” Healy explained. However, workers in sectors like hospitality, retail, security and agriculture have little choice but to commute daily.

Workers ask for flexibility
Office-based employees are increasingly approaching employers to request hybrid work arrangements to cut fuel costs. Some are proposing working from home for part of the week to reduce travel expenses and improve productivity.
Healy said these discussions are happening and can sometimes lead to flexible arrangements, but employers are under pressure too. “In the current economic climate, companies themselves are faced with increased electricity and fuel costs,” he said.

Employers reluctant to increase pay
Employees are also asking for travel allowances or salary adjustments to cope with higher fuel prices. But Healy said most employers are unlikely to agree to covering rising commuting costs, despite being sympathetic.

Missing work could breach contracts
For some workers, the situation is more difficult. Employees who cannot afford transport are sometimes unable to get to work at all, especially towards the end of the month when budgets run dry. Healy warned that failing to report for duty due to transport costs could have serious consequences. “When one signs an employment contract, it really is a promise… if you can’t get to work, then unfortunately you are in breach of contract,” he said.

Pressure builds as fuel prices climb
With fuel prices continuing to climb, the pressure on workers is intensifying.
For those who can work remotely, the push for flexibility is growing.
For others, the daily commute remains unavoidable, and increasingly unaffordable.

by Kabous Le Roux