Historically unpaid commute originated before urban sprawl, car culture and a massive spike in population, it's been grandfathered in, but it's absolutely theft in the current environment, whether the job can be done at home or not. Posit 1 hr commute either way, that's 10hrs a week, and should probably get hazard loading as well. When unpaid commute originated it was more like 10-15 minutes walk per day.

One of the most significant and efficient policy changes to combat CO2 and other pollutants would be to legislate paid commuting (with just protection against discrimination for both employee and employer). Just watch every employer WFH everyone who can be, not to mention improved quality of life, local services and being hugely popular.