Question from a reader:
I have been working as a condominium manager for two years. I visit 3 to 4 properties a day by bicycle, but the company does not provide a bicycle or reimburse transportation costs. Since I am using my own bicycle, I think it is unfair that I am not reimbursed for transportation costs. In this case, do
I have the right to claim transportation expenses from the company? If there are others working in similar situations, I would appreciate it if you could let me know how it stands legally. Additionally, I have incurred about 20,000 yen in expenses for things like tire replacements since I joined the company. There are about 5,000 part-time workers at my condominium management company, and last year, a part-timer raised the issue that the time spent changing into uniforms was not reflected in their pay, and as a result, it was decided that payments for the past five years would be made. If it is normal for transportation costs to be paid legally, I believe the company should also pay. Thank you.

Considering the Right to Claim Transportation Expenses as a Condominium Manager

Hello everyone. I am a university student majoring in psychology, and I am interested in the legal aspects of the entertainment industry and psychological analysis. Today, I would like to consider a question from someone working as a condominium manager from a legal perspective.

Current Situation

The questioner has been working as a condominium manager for two years. They visit 3 to 4 properties a day by bicycle, but they are not provided with a bicycle or transportation costs by the company. This is quite a tough situation. Using one’s own bicycle and not being reimbursed for transportation costs can indeed feel unfair. What rights do they have in this case from a legal standpoint? First of all, under the Labor Standards Act, it is generally considered undesirable for workers to bear the necessary expenses for performing their duties. Particularly when workers use bicycles for work, it is commonly understood that the operational costs, namely transportation expenses, should be reimbursed.

Obligation to Pay Transportation Costs

While there is no clear legal regulation regarding the payment of transportation costs, it is generally based on labor contracts or company policies. In other words, even without explicit instructions from the company, it is recognized as a worker’s right that the company should bear the necessary expenses for performing their duties. Especially in your case, where you are using a bicycle for work, it is believed that the company has a responsibility to cover the costs associated with its use. Past case law has also indicated that when employees use their own means of transportation for work, the company is required to reimburse a portion of those costs. Therefore, the rights you possess can be sufficiently asserted. Of course, there may be variations depending on company regulations and contract details, so it is necessary to check the specifics.

How to Actually Claim

If you want to claim transportation costs, I recommend following these steps:

1. Check Company Policies

Review the company policies where you work to see how transportation costs are addressed. If there are provisions regarding transportation cost reimbursement, this will serve as the basis for your claim.

2. Gather Evidence

It is important to collect receipts and records regarding expenses related to using your bicycle (such as tire replacement costs). This will serve as evidence and be helpful when making your claim.

3. Consult with Your Supervisor

It may also be a good idea to discuss your concerns with your supervisor or HR department. It is important to openly talk about the unfairness you feel and the burden of expenses.

4. Submit a Written Claim

If you do not receive satisfactory results from verbal discussions, formally submit a claim in writing. Having a written record of the facts will be useful for future negotiations.

Regarding the Uniform Issue

The issue of changing into uniforms that the questioner mentioned is also very interesting. In the past, a part-timer raised a lawsuit regarding the time spent changing into uniforms not being reflected in their pay, and it was decided that payments for the past five years would be made. This is another example of workers’ rights being recognized, and it shows that without clear rules regarding expenses and working hours, workers can suffer disadvantages. What we must not forget is that asserting workers’ rights is never a bad thing. Rather, advocating for improvements in an appropriate manner can have a positive impact on companies as well.

Collaboration with Other Employees

Furthermore, as the questioner mentioned, there are about 5,000 part-timers at the condominium management company. If there are others in similar situations, it would be beneficial to reach out to them. Collective claims can often carry more weight than individual ones. If everyone feels similarly, taking action together can send a strong message to the company.

Conclusion

In conclusion, through this question, we have considered the rights of workers regarding transportation and expenses. The sense of unfairness you feel is a problem that many workers face, and to resolve this, it is important to first understand your rights and assert them appropriately. Legally, the company should bear the necessary expenses for work, and you have the right to request reimbursement for transportation costs. By taking concrete actions, you can benefit not only yourself but also your colleagues in similar positions. I hope you will give it a try. If anyone has questions, please feel free to ask. Together, we can think through this issue and find solutions.