Travel expenses in case of illness and vacation

Questioner

My employer suddenly does not want to continue paying my fixed travel allowance for commuting during my vacation days and sick days this year. He indicates that he does not have to do this because I do not incur any travel expenses. I have been working there for 10 years and previously the travel allowance was always paid during vacation/sickness. I do not have a collective labor agreement. However, my employment contract states that I am entitled to € 0.19 per km travel allowance. How does this work?

Lawyer

Your employer is not obliged to continue paying the compensation during your vacation days. If you work full-time in shifts, you are entitled to continued payment of this during vacation. If you wish, you can contact us without any obligation.

Questioner

Thank you for your response. However, I was of the opinion that if I had previously received my travel expenses during the holiday, I would now also be entitled to them. Surely an employer cannot unilaterally change the rules?

Lawyer

It is striking that the employee is now not paying any travel expenses. Nevertheless, the payment of travel expenses was previously a favor. If you wish, you can contact us without any obligation.