Can I be forced to go to a company christmas party?

Question

I am employed at a Jamba Juice location in Bakersfield, CA, and I have just been informed that I am required to attend a Christmas Party. My family does not celebrate Christmas, or any other winter holiday, for that matter. In truth, in the past three weeks, I have worked 2 hours all together, so I feel no particular loyalty to this company. I have also been informed that I am expected to spend $20 on a gift for another employee, which effectively wipes out my earnings for the past pay period. So, my question is, can I be ordered to attend a non-paid, religiously based company function?

Answer 1

This is America. You don't have to go to any party. If you've only worked two hours in the last three weeks, you probably don't have $20 you want to waste on some stranger.

Answer 2

I would simply inform your boss that due to religious reasons (you sound like maybe you are Jehovah's Witness) that you will be unable to attend an form of Holiday party. If they attempt to fire you over it go to the labor board and file a complaint. On the other hand if it is just that your family does not celebrate the winter holidays, then I recommend you go to show "company spirit" and all that jazz. I would however ask to emoted form the gift exchange due to lack of hours to pay for said gift.

Good luck!!!

PS If it gets really nasty, threaten to call the ACLU.

Answer 3

It's a kind of political party in the company, if you want to play a more important role in the company, just play the game!
Just consider, what you will get from the party.and for a gift. I think every employee will pay same as you, so you will get a gift too. if you are lucky enough, you will get a gift which is much much more expensive than $20

Answer 4

No, you don't have to go to a Christmas Party or spend the $20 on a gift - that's ridiculous. I doubt it's in any contract you signed upon employment so forgetaboutit. However, I would explain to your supervisor that you are not able to attend and give some bogus reason - and then thank them for inviting you. This way, they are not offended and you can bow out gracefully. :-)

Answer 5

They, as management, have the right to tell you anything they please. If you do not care for what they are telling you, then you reserve the choice not to work. In your case, unless the $20 mandatory gift was outlined in your employment contract, or is company policy, you should not have to pay it. If it is outlined, you either have to pay, or you may resign. But in terms of a mandatory party, management can dictate whatever they care to, as is the free labour market.

Answer 6

If you want to work more than two hours, you'll attend the party. You sound like a young person, and you'll soon discover that politics will play a role in your raises and promotions. Change your mindset about the party... consider it a business meeting where you will socialize and network.

Answer 7

do they call it a holiday party? or a Christmas party?
my family also did not celebrate Christmas or any other holidays for that matter, so i do know what you are talking about

sounds more like the mgr or whomever is telling you that you have to attend has the hotts for you

Answer 8

you may not rigidity your organization to recogonise a Union, there should be a proportion of the paintings rigidity who've joined the union in the previous the comapny has to understand them - i think of its between 40 - 60%. you likely can besides the fact that have representation on your place of work as a guy or woman yet you do could desire to tell the enterprise that your union rep may well be attending any assembly.

Answer 9

honey u don't have to do anything u don't feel comfortable with or attending, "Men dictate rules, women can break them" spend your $20 on something for yourself

Answer 10

2 HOURS!!!!! I WOULD NOT ATTEND. SOMEONE IS TRYING TO FOOL YOU. STAY AWAY