This past week my manager came over and said that he picked up the last case of water for the workers outside (I work inside) and if we can all chip in a few dollars to get more bottled water. This immediately had me kind of confused because from what I understand of worker’s rights, it’s the employer’s responsibility to provide water to the workers. We also have water bottle filling stations that dispense cold water so there’s no reason for us to buy water bottles except out of convenience.
I responded asking how that works and if I should keep my receipt to claim it on my taxes as a work related purchase. He responded that it’s not a work related purchase and then proceeded to (in my opinion) subtly shame me for not wanting to “donate” water.
I don’t think this is fair considering we all get paid at least $7 less an hour than he does, the rental and cost of living prices at the moment are astronomically high and some people might genuinely not be able to afford to dish out extra funds for bottled water at work, and I personally don’t believe in supporting bottled water because of the single use plastic, the insane markup on the water, and the history of bottled water companies being predatory.
All of that being said, I don’t mind forking out a couple bucks but I also don’t feel it’s fair for the employees to have to “donate” water for use at work.
Located in PA. Is this legal? Should I address this? It’s a minor issue but I witnessed a coworker stress out and rush to bring a case of water after her work hours because our manager made her feel like she had to.