Originally Posted by
Tring
Per-diem is given to us because food and other services aren't as cheap on the road. It's that simple, it's a reimbursement for people in the travel industry that don't have the luxury to have a car every day to shop at the most competitive grocery store. We're stuck at airports and hotels. You are limited to what you can buy.
That is correct, from a legal standpoint. You can't argue that it's salary just because you will pocket it and pack tuna sandwiches to eat instead. Other professionals aren't bothered with that type of thing when they are on the road.