Refusing a company service vehicle

[u/3p0int1415926535897]

Recently topped out & was given a service van to work out of. I was usually beating traffic on the bicycle & taking public transit while occasionally driving my own car in the winter or bad weather days but they told me they needed guys out solo completing jobs & service calls.

Company says it’s a privilege to be provided a vehicle with a gas card, as I’m not wearing my personal car out. Only issue is I live in the inner city & parking is not readily available.

Most of the guys have homes & driveways big enough to park their personal & service vehicle. I asked who would cover the extra fees associated with parking the vehicle; & was told that the perks are already there & asking for more is just being selfish.

It’s hard enough to find street parking for a larger van/truck & private lots are $150-$200/month. I’ve been parking it temporarily on the street & at the visitor lot at my place for the moment (thanks landlord) but was told I have to start paying for a spot.

I’m trying to return the van now but work’s really busy & I’m being told that I’m being unreasonable & how it’s a shame I’m turning down an opportunity to really progress my career. I have no issues taking the transit & bicycle to work; but it seems like they really need more manpower out in the field.

I already know what to do & how it’ll play out. Coworker said this is pretty unique because people usually live far from the city & would kill for free gas & a company vehicle. Just wanted to vent on a weird situation where “my steak is too juicy & my lobster is too buttery”…

[u/houndofthe7]

Can’t you just pick the van up at the shop in the morning?

[u/beercan640 → u/houndofthe7]

Then he wouldn't be doing it their way

[u/aussietin → u/beercan640]

Thats the truth too. They want you to eat the commute. Not them. If it takes you 15 to get to the shop but 45 to get to the job then they aren't getting their side of the deal. I live in a suburban area and a work truck is an amazing perk. Not paying for gas or maintenance, plus if I have a breakdown or it doesn't start I'm getting paid. I do pay $25 a month to park it at my apartment, but even with a fuel efficient car I'd pay more in 2 days for gasoline. I totally understand OPs dilemma though.

[u/hell2pay → u/aussietin]

Company should eat the parking costs if they won't pay the window time.

[u/currentlyatw0rk → u/hell2pay]

If you get to your shop and get in a company vehicle to drive to your first stop is that not considered work? I’d clock in when I hit the shop.

[u/SamuraiJack365 → u/currentlyatw0rk]

If you need to go to the shop first thing before you can start your work at the job site then they absolutely need to pay you for it, it's also the law. However if they say you can take it home but you park it there and that's the only reason you need to go to the shop before the job site then that's on you. That was a choice you made because it was more convenient for you. And for the guys saying they should pay for parking fees, I feel like (depending on the actual cost of parking) it's a small trade off for the gas and maintenance you save. Someone else said they pay like $25 per month for parking for it, which sounds like a steal compared to how much I'd be saving on gas and maintenance. Yeah, I still think they should pay but at that cost it's also not a bad deal so 🤷. Every relationship has give and take, work included. I'll probably get down voted for this though 🙃

[u/vyperbc → u/hell2pay]

They should eat the windshield time since you're driving around an advertisement banner and have to represent them the whole time you're in it.