Should I have to wear a uniform in work?

Question

Im in college but i have a part time job in a video library aswell. Ive been working there 6 yrs at this stage and recently we got a new manager. This new manager has asked us to weara uniform, which is basically us dressed all in black. The thing about it is, that this is uniform is not being provided by the company that we work for, we're just being told that we gotta wear a black top and black slacks. Im not ok with this and so i havent been wearing any unifrom. But last nite my manager told me to have my uniform on me when i come into work at the weekend. Im not gonna do it. Im gonna tell him that if the company i work for want me to wear a uniform they should provide one for me. Should i do this?? I mean am i just being difficult or am i right?? Thanks

Answer 1

I hate to say it friend, but you're being both difficult and right. You have every right to refuse to adhere to their dress code for whatever reason they like, and they have the right to terminate your employment for refusal to adhere to their policies. You may have a legal standing (not sure about your state's labor laws) to keep your job if they try to fire you as they did not provide the uniforms, and this was not a condition of your employment previously, but with new management on board, there are no promises for continuity of standards, rules, or policies, so you may be out of luck.

Personally, I think you're just being difficult, rightly so to some degree, but sometimes you have to pick your fights, and standing up for your principles can get you into a lot of trouble real fast if you aren't careful who you stand up to...

Should you have to wear a uniform to work? Who am I to tell you what you should or shouldn't do? I believe in personal choice, so I think nobody should have to do anything if they don't want to, but they have to then accept personal responsibility for the consequences of their choices, which in your case might mean you're looking for a new job.

Answer 2

Uniforms are not an essential thing to all jobs, however generally uniforms are used in many places, some are more formal than others. I am required to wear a uniform at work except on Fridays, where I pay two dollars to dress casual. Although the uniform is a pain in the butt, I understand the reason for it. A uniform sets a standard for a business that interacts with people showing them that you are professional. A uniform also relieves a manager/managers from the need to question their employees clothing. It also avoids the need for argument between employees about each others clothing.

Answer 3

You are on your way to the welfare line. The first thing about working for someone is that you follow their rules. No one is forcing you to work there. You could always find another job where no uniforms are required. However, a black shirt and black pants is hardly a uniform. There is a dress code pretty much everywhere you work. Either get used to working for someone else and following the rules or stay in college to learn how to run your own business. You are not going to get very far with your "high and mighty" attitude. Thank you and good luck.

Answer 4

No matter where you go in life, there will always be changes in management, and each new manager will probably want something different than the first. Most people have a black top and pants, so I can't see where the difficulty here is.
You can ask them to give you a clothing allowance (tell them you can't afford to buy a new set of clothes), however, they may tell you to take a hike (terminate your employment).
A friend once told me that you have to pick your battles in life. Is this a battle worth picking (over something so petty)? Do you really need the job, if this matter is really that important to you?
Good luck

Answer 5

If the company policy is to wear a "uniform" you wear a uniform or find another job.

If they don't supply you with one then I do believe you are entitled to deduct it from your taxes as a job expense as long as you only wear the clothing for work.

I don't see what the issue is, they're asking for black slacks and a black top not something utterly stupid. You can wear black slacks and tops pretty much anywhere so it won't be something wasteful.

You can always complain to corporate that the new manager is forcing you to wear a uniform and if that's the case, then you'd like them to supply it for you.

Answer 6

Your Manager wans everything to be uniform, U might feel uncomfortable but know the rule is same for all. U might have an experience of 6 years or more that in the same company but when a higher official orders or request to do something it is our duty to follow it.
So Y be different? Do it, in due course of time you'll get used to it. Sorry to say this.

Answer 7

People wear uniforms all the time-what's so bad? To my knowledge the cost of the shirt or the outfit-if provided by the company,is taken out of your paycheck. So you buying it is actually kind of good as you have control over quality and price. Sounds like they've given you time to get it too-if this is a good job, I'd get the clthes and be happy at the paycheck. What they are asking is not unreasonable and it is their business. Every job I had did that, as well as my son's work.

Answer 8

Any dress code is actually wearing a uniform. Get used to it. Join the ranks or you will be out of step with the real business world. If you want to be different it will cost you one way or another.

Answer 9

Wear what they want you to wear. All black is NOT a uniform, and they have given you time to come up with the appropriate clothes.
You are being difficult. If you don't like black, quit the job and find another.

Answer 10

first of all this is a life lesson u will face the rest of your life its called change with new job new managers etc u will b constantly facing this issue look at it this way buy u a few cheap pair of slacks and shirts in black for work only save your wardrobe for the important events in your life and knock em dead at the company party your new manager is not only looking at your uniform he/shes looking at how u handle change conformity to company policy pride in your self and in your work