Right to travel expenses in case of incapacity for work

Questioner

2 weeks ago I ended up at home because of a misstep at work. I collapsed through my knee. Now I am still waiting for the consultation in the hospital with an orthopedist. The company doctor concluded that I cannot fully resume my work. And can only perform sedentary work. And then for a maximum of 50% of my normal working hours. This is not a problem. However, the transport to my work is a problem. I cannot drive a car because of my knee. According to my employer, it is my problem how I get to work. Public transport is not an option, then I am still doing a burdensome job. So a taxi is the only option. Can the employer force me to pay those high taxi costs? And therefore make me pay for it.

Lawyer

I assume that taxi costs will amount to hundreds of euros per week and will tax a significant portion of your salary. Considering the employer's obligation to make efforts to reintegrate incapacitated employees, I think that your employer wants to make things very easy for himself by making you pay these costs alone. Your disability therefore changes the perspective on how travel expenses should be viewed. I advise you to address your employer on a more constructive attitude. It is possible that working from home, carpooling, cost sharing are possible solutions. If your employer does not want to discuss this and puts you in a difficult position (by stopping payment of wages if you do not appear), then I suspect that your employer will not receive much understanding from a judge in a wage claim procedure. If you need support in this process, I advise you to contact an employment lawyer associated with this site.