does my employer have the right to manipulate and coerce me?

Question

My wife is a teacher. We spent the summer making posters, cut outs, banners etc for her class. The school district provides very little supplies so we have to buy them on our own ( tax deductible up to a certain amount ) my days off have been spent at the school and at home working on projects.

my employer is sponsering a back to school drive to get school supplies to kids. they have made statements that if the employees dont give money and supplies it means we are responsible if little johnny turns into a drug addict or a dealer. we have been told we should be ashamed for what little we have given.

i think if my employer wants the kids to have these items then the employer should donate the items and money instead of forcing its employees to do so.

is it right for my employer to try to make me feel guilty ? is this legal?

Answer 1

It's not illegal. If I were you, I'd take the time to thank your employer for their efforts and at the same time, let them know what you've done over the summer and how much you and your wife appreciate the helping hand.

This way, you take ownage of the situation and at the same time let them know to back off if they percieve that you don't care enough to help the kids. You've already dug deep into your pockets to help the children.

Answer 2

I volunteer on a rescue squad, I dedicate between 15 and 30 hours a month between calls, training, drills, and education. I've been doing this since college. I donate money to certain charities that do not include the United Way. (They're a good organization, I just donate directly to certain groups that have meaning for me.)

My company virtually forces people to give to The United Way. When I explain I am covered and don't need to donate to any other charities and that I won't participate in the annual drive I am literally shunned. The department managers all harass me until I do a "little something" for the less fortunate.

I know I have it good and that I've been lucky... but I give my share in deeds and money, why do my bosses need to control where the money I donate goes? Its harrassment, plain and simple.

And one of my housemates is a teacher... we've spent most the last two weekends getting all of her classroom supplies in order. Most of which is being supplied by us (because the PTA has a firm grasp on the parents money). So the teachers have to scrape together for supplies that, even though they are mostly tax deductible, still take up an unreasonable amount of the teacher's salary. Its no so bad in the older grades, but in the elementary grades it is expected by the parents.

Answer 3

I worked for a company that did the same thing. They would come around & make us fill out these forms to take X amount out of our paychecks to give to a certain charity. If you said no they would try to make you feel guilty or embarress you as "one of the only ones who didn't give". I don't think this is right. I give to different organizations on my own, I don't think they should be able to coerce you into giving.It sounds like you & your wife have given more than your fair share.Not only monetary but being an active participant in making things better for the students. They should be thanking you for all of your help.

Answer 4

As legal as teachers collecting all supplies on the first day of school to "share" with the less fortunate in the class! I buy the stuff for my kids not the whole class. About time parents raise their own children and stop leaving the job to someone else!

Answer 5

I used to go through the same thing with the United Way drives at work. That organization supports groups I don't feel are worthy of contributions. I have always contributed generously to worthwhile charities but I am not going to have anyone tell me to whom and how much I SHOULD be giving. I believe that charitable giving is a personal thing and no ones business but yours. The thing is most of these companies strong arm their employees because they want community recognition and a plaque for themselves. I always held my ground against their pressure. After awhile they get the message. As far as it being illegal, I don't think so but to me it is annoying at the least, and very very tacky.

Answer 6

YOU HAVE NO REASON WHATSOEVER TO FEEL GUILTY, NO MATTER WHAT YOU DO IN YOUR SPARE TIME! I am sick and tired of having to support everyone else's kids! All of these pledges, buy this, buy that, help us raise more money. Well I pay my taxes which include the school taxes, and I don't even have kids. I say they wanted the kids they can pay for the kids. If I had children I would take care of them myself, including supplies. Your employer is a jerk!

Answer 7

No, you're employer has no right to force anyone to donate any thing, if he wants to support a certain cause it is up to him to donate, although he could politley ask employees if they " WANT" to make any donations, you could report him for harrassment. What you do with your money is your own business.

Answer 8

in truth if you have given what you can give and he is making you feel guilty then I would imagine there is a part of you that is saying to yourself you also could be giving more, don't let hiim make you feel guilty, don't you dare, you have given what you have given, it's not your job to save the world and you know it, I don't rarely give but a few dimes and nickels to charity and why should I? I barely earn or take home 15 grand a year, it's yourlife and you need to have some fun and enjoyment out of it for yourself or your not living your life for yourself

Answer 9

Have your employer donate double what the employees donate and contact human rights to see if you have been wronged.

Answer 10

I agree with you on this. I am a nurse and they hit us up for money to make the hospital larger. There is a bit of pressure involved.

If they want to accept donations, great, but there should be no pressure.