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Some FSU members who work in branches have told the union that they have been pressured by management to travel to other branches to cover staff absences.

A short trip up the road may be fine – but what if that branch is well over an hour away and you're being asked to make the trip on a regular basis? Can you refuse?

Like so many of our workplace rights, it all depends on your individual circumstances – including what's in your Enterprise Agreement.

Generally, however, it all comes down to what is 'reasonable'. And what is considered 'reasonable' is relative to the distance that you normally travel for work. It will be weighed between the actual distance in kilometres you travel, and the time it takes you to travel that distance.

For example, travelling 20 kilometres on a highway for 20 minutes is not the same as spending 20 minutes travelling a few kilometres in inner city traffic.

Whether you can reasonably refuse your manager's request will depend on your situation. If you're being asked to travel extra distance for short-term relief, then it may be that you are entitled to additional compensation. If you're having to travel further because of a restructure, then it may be that the job is not a suitable alternative position.

Furthermore, if you are required to travel extra distances to and from work, that additional travel time should be counted as your hours of work. For example, if travel to another branch adds 60 minutes to the time it would normally take you to get to and from work, that extra 60 minutes should be factored into your work hours. In other words, you should be allowed to start work 30 minutes later and leave work 30 minutes earlier.

As always, we encourage members to contact the FSU for tailored and expert advice so we can review your individual circumstances. Call 1300 366 378 or email [email protected].