I worked for a major, major car company that also had a "make your life miserable if you don't give to UW thru your paycheck". So, what we did was sign up for .50 a paycheck and then in about three months cancel the withdrawl from our check. We did it every year. UW got to say 100%, we kept our job and less "on the job abuse" and we all went home at night with the fantasy we played the game well. (Ick
EJ Denkleof MI12:18PM December 27, 2010
Why do news venues continue to employ reporters with poor ethics that suggest that you lie?
The United way, did ME ABSOLUTELY NO GOOD, except give me phone numbers that were in the phone book. The Dalton Georgia United Way is a joke and a waste.
Boy scouts? Let your folks support your big time in the woods, im not footing the bill.
Gary Painterof GA6:46PM November 09, 2010
our company right now is soliciting donations for--wait for it--our own company. we have a charitable section that handles expenses and purchases durable medical equipment, new instruments for different areas of the hospital, etc. they're doing a one week blitz and giving us forms that must be filled out and returned--either telling them how much to take out of our check, how much time we will be willing to donate to solicit donations from outside companies, or declining to participate at all. but no matter what the answer is, we have to tell them something--on paper. if it's not turned in, it's grounds for disciplinary action. wtf is all i can say.
yellowbellyof MI1:55PM November 09, 2010
United Way is infamous for "strong arming" employers into donating. They publish lists of companies who donate the most, with the implied threat that those who don't are deadbeats. I worked for a company that had a goal of 100% - all employees were expected to donate using automatic paycheck deductions. Those who demurred soon found themselves at the top of the layoff lists. The company held employee meetings and used hard sell tactics to coerce employees into donating to United Way. It was quite disgusting. Many old line companies still continue this practice.
Antonioof CA7:29PM November 08, 2010
This happened to me at my first "real" job out of college. When I was hired full time (from temp) my boss called me into the office, in front of the assistant manager as well, and asked how much I was going to "donate" to the United Way. My response was "zero." They both had this look of horror, like I had just informed them that I also carried the plague. I informed them that while that charity wasn't too bad, it was mostly a clearing house for other charities, and that I chose to give directly to the charities so that my donations counted for more.
They told me that corporate looked at the giving and that it made them look bad. I told them that I was sorry about that, but that fact did not counter my initial argument, and they could not argue against my reasoning.
It is wrong for employers to push employees towards specific causes and charities. It is a good thing to encourage employees to donate their time and money toward worthy causes, and even more commendable if the company gives its employees time to donate directly. Corporations, by definition, cannot feel good about giving. Encouraging employees, however, makes them feel better, which leads to happier and better employees.
Bruceof GA5:47PM November 08, 2010
@Ann - Your company has no right to "expect" anything when it comes to donations that you foot the bill for. If you think they are the kind of place that will hold this against you, you should probably be looking for another job!
While I understand that the majority of fund raising comes from the hard-working middle class, I don't like the idea of employers soliciting employees either. If your company feels strongly about a charity, let them donate - I'm sure they have more money than you!
Bottom line: Employers should encourage you to contribute to charities YOU care about - nothing more, nothing less.
Andrew G. Rosenof NY10:45AM October 20, 2010
I totally agree that setting the precident/just saying no when you want to say no works. But I do have a question for you:
What do you do when the company wants you to donate through payroll deduction [and without directly telling people that they look at who donates as people who align with the company's values and label as good for promotion]? Granted it is a reputible foundation and I don't mind giving some money as I usually don't, but it's my first job out of college, less than $30k/year and they more or less expect $10/paycheck (biweekly), which i really dont' have the money for but I want to stay with the company for the foresseable future.
Just your thoughts on corporate fundraising and this whole idea I guess!
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EJ Denkle of MI 12:18PM December 27, 2010
Gary Painter of GA 6:46PM November 09, 2010
yellowbelly of MI 1:55PM November 09, 2010
Antonio of CA 7:29PM November 08, 2010
Bruce of GA 5:47PM November 08, 2010
Andrew G. Rosen of NY 10:45AM October 20, 2010
ann of WI 10:42PM October 19, 2010