Suppose there are two employees: Alice and Bob, who do the same job at the same factory. Alice has a 10 minute (20RT) commute, Bob commutes 35 minutes(70RT).
If you’re the owner of the factory, would you compensate them for their commutes? How would you do it?
I don't think it is. I don't live in America. Question does not specify where it is. A vast majority of the world is not America.
That's fair. The majority of the world isn't Sweden either. Not sure why OP brought country up to begin with, just saying "bring it up to your union" isn't exactly a universal experience either.
Nor is having the opportunity to be within walking distance of your place of employment. Some people live in more rural areas because the cost of living is lower, and that is what they can afford. I speak from experience. I think a universal "cost of transportation" would be helpful to the populous in general. Who foots that bill? The employer. They need you to make their product after all. You shouldn't need a second job just to make it to your first job. Your first job should be able to pay for all of your expenses, including transportation to and from the job.
If the employer foots the bill they will discriminate based on where you live, which as far as I know is legal in the US and Sweden.
Besides, why should they pay one person more because where they live? You're providing the same value to the company. Would it not be better to pay both workers a bit more rather than only the one living far away?
They wouldn't be paying one person more based on where they live. They would be paying a fair rate based on a formula using miles of commute and current gas prices. Everyone would be paid the same rate. If someone works less hours, is it unfair that the person that works more gets paid more? No, they are being compensated for time, just as the commuters should be compensated for their time and maintenance on their vehicle.
Is it fair that the people that live farther away should have to pay more to come to work that those who live closer? Its not fair to me who has to pay sooo much more in maintenance and gas!
Previous smartass paragraph aside, paying both more doesn't solve the problem. This isn't about who is getting paid more. It's about giving everyone the same tools to succeed. And if I am paying 100$ more a month, I'm making 100$ less a month.