Mileage

So earlier in the week, we are told with the news that our company is upping the mileage pay. Then yesterday we get told during a meeting that our mileage will be cut per our publisher, who says, "can't we cover games and do this stuff over the phone?"
Just wondering if this is becoming the trend?

 

Yes, it's becoming a trend that in pursuit of the almighty dollar, publishers are coming up with ever dumber ideas about how a newspaper should be run.

 

They aren't going to pay you mileage at all?

Well, I guess you never, ever leave the office.

How are they going to account for photos? Make people come down to the office? Or will you just have to walk there?

 

Exactly. Impossible to run a newspaper without leaving. And if I were you, I'd be encouraging (read: strong-arming) any reporter or photog who leaves the office without being compensated for their mileage to cease from doing so.

 

Or keep better mileage logs and get it back from the gov at tax time (it's better than nothing)...IRS has upped the rate to 58.5 cents per mile as of July 1

 

I suppose that could be the publisher's out, no? "Hey, we don't HAVE to pay you mileage, but we do require you to use a car, so get it back from the gov't and not me."

 

Fine, then send the bills for car maintainance and repairs to the publisher.

They require you to use your car, then the paper can pay for the use of your car. Why should anyone, including the government, donate gas and repairs to a newspaper?

 

I agree. Don't let them screw you. Send the publisher and oil change bill and see what happens.

 

I paper I know actually just increased its mileage to the IRS rate of 58.5 cents per mile.

 

Family-owned?

 

I know what you're saying, but it should be pointed out that the IRS rate applies for everybody who uses their cars for work -- and don't get reimbursed from their employer -- not just newspaper people.

 

Nope. Mormon church owned.