While I can see why people think this is out of order, he is stuck between his family not wanting to move, his wife no doubt wanting his support with the baby, and his employer moving the goalposts to make a point. Not a great position to be in.
That said, I do find that I am a lot more flexible with people in my team at work (40+ people) who are flexible themselves, who work hard and perform. You earn the flexibility by being flexible yourself and delivering. If you are strict 9-5 even when urgent things come up, off sick a lot and unhelpful to your manager & colleagues don't expect them to put themselves out for you.