Moral obligation?

[smart1]

I didn't know which heading to put this under, so apologies.
My daughter works in a fast food outlet (she's not proud of that, but a job is a job).
Anyway, she works shifts when she doesn't finish until 3.30am. Obviously there is no public transport runnibg then. The outlet has always provided taxis for these people, and the employee has been asked to contribute to the fare. These people are on minimum wage BTW. Now, the company say they are no longer going to provide taxis, and the employee will have to fund it themselves. Surely this is putting people (mainly young women) at serious risk? Just wondered if they could legally do that? I would simply not work that shift any more, but she tells me that would result in didmissal.

[boxtops]

Unless it's in their contracts that the company will pay, then I think (IMO) that this is a perk they have been providing (and perks are often taxable by the way). I understand the moral obligation to see people home safe, but most staff in other companies have to pay their own travel to and from work. If they do end up paying, would it be worthwhile the staff asking if the taxi company would offer a block rate or discount for all the staff having to use this company? The alternative is to ask not to work the night shift, but I realise that it's always possible. Do you know why they have suddenly decided to stop subbing the taxi fares? It really doesn depend on the company's policies and whether a cab home is part of your daughter's contract arrangements, IMO.

[andy-hughes]

Morally, the company should be honour-bound to contribute to the safety of its employees, but legally, they are not.

There is no sentiment in business.

I hope your daughter finds safer employment very soon.

[joggerjayne]

"My daughter works in a fast food outlet ... she's not proud of that"

Well, she SHOULD be proud.

It's hard work doing that sort of thing.

If your daughter is working hard, and earning her own money, instead of sitting around hoping to be looked after her, then I'd say ... good for her.

Sorry ... that doesn't actually answer the question.

[ummmm]

Just to echo what JJ says....she should be proud. Fast food outlets...pubs...posh restaurants...all the same type of hard work.

They are legally obliged to pay for transport though.

[smart1]

Thanx for all replies.
I understand BT that usually people fund their own transport to & from work.But my daughter gets rostered to do 3 of these shifts per week on minimum wage. That would mean she would have to pay £27 to get home from her shifts ! She already tries to save by walking TO work (30mins) and she walk home when she's on earlier shifts.
And JJ - she isn't ashamed really, it's just that she is qualified for something else, but cannot find a job in her field of occupation. And she does work VERY hard!!

[merciasounds]

She could do with being in a union - does she have a contract, if so check over what it states? I'd also inform the local paper, shame the company - Get all your daughters co-workers to stick together on this - could they sack everybody at once? I'm pretty sure if there's no other transport available, and the job description didn't say own transport required, then the company have a moral obligation to provide transport if they want them to work unsociable hours.

[smart1]

Really Moriarty? Legally obliged to? She is trying to get some support at work to ask employer for some give & take on this, but she isn't sure of any facts. There are numerous really dodgy practices going on there.

[boxtops]

I don't think so ummmm? Travel to and from a regular place of work is the employee's responsibility, the employer usually only funds travel if the person has to go to a different place from their normal base. IMO.

[ummmm]

Sorry....I was saying on here the other day that I have a habit of leaving words out...

They are 'not' legally obliged to.

Morally they should....how old is your daughter?

[Old_Geezer]

Your daughter needs to find a decent alternative employer, fast.

Sorry to hear about the situation but it seems it is either the cost of a taxi, or a family member picking them up until then. Until she quits you have a fine example of one person just using others as a resource for their own gain.

[smart1]

Have just phoned her and asked about her contract. She said she signed it at @induction@ and she hasn't seen it since. She is going to ask for it, but like I said, they seem very sly (the employers) This is a NATIONAL well known FF outlet, not an independent.

[ummmm]

How old is she? Are her colleagues of a similar age? What FF outlet?

[smart1]

KFC

[McMouse]

What is the taxi fare?

[smart1]

£9 - £10 per time, McM

[ummmm]

KFC are a franchise so each outlet can have their own rules.

As her parent I would write to them with your concerns. If she has any other young females working with her I would encourage them to do the same. Actually, that shouldn't be limited to females...it's just as dangerous for men on their own as well.

[Nosha123]

I agree with Ummmmmm

"As her parent I would write to them with your concerns."

If she cannot refuse to do those shifts without risking dismissal then how else is a woman on her own supposed to get home at 4am in the morning.

[smart1]

I agree Moriarty. Maybe a letter to head of franchising?

[smart1]

Sorry - meant Ummmm - oops!

[ummmm]

I would do one to both the outlet and the head of franchise (don't know how franchises work though)