I work as a waitress at a small town diner and my manager (who is the owner's daughter-in-law BTW) asked us to pitch in and donate money for the owner's birthday last year which I declined but several sheep—-oh I'm sorry “people” that I work with all decided to donate anyway.
This is scummy because my manager's FIL owns not one but two restaurants in town so why are we having to donate to his birthday fund when we only make $2.15 an hour plus tips. What's even more mind-blowing is that just the other week, she was selling Nascar themed t-shirts with our diner's logo on them for a whopping $24 because our town's most famous attraction, which is our big Nascar race, is happening during Mother's Day weekend. I don't even like racing!
Just like the birthday fund, I declined. Sorry not sorry but asking for $24 for a stupid t-shirt is ridiculous and overpriced considering most of the customers who eat there thinks giving $1 or $2 for tips is perfectly fine which my manager knows about. Our food is good but it's expensive and as servers, we are expected to pay full price for our meals. My manager and her family is making a fortune when I'm barely making it. Am I justified for being angry? Or am I making a big deal over nothing?
tldr: my manager asked us to donate to the owner's birthday fund while making us pay for other ridiculous things.