Mandatory info about charitable donations.

[geo2887]

A local government agency in Washington State, (not the state) states that it is "mandatory" to fill out a card to either authorize or decline a particular charity deduction from our paycheck. The deduction is not mandatory, just the written response. I have nothing against this charity. I do find it intrusive for the employer to keep a written record of my choice. But, what of the legality of this requirement?

 

[cbg]

I see nothing illegal about it.

 

[Beth3]

They can't make you donate but they can require you to complete the card.

 

[pattytx]

I agree that it isn't illegal. But what does the company say will happen if you don't?

 

[Beth3]

I doubt they've said anything about that, Patty.

The problem with these kinds of charitable drives, especially if they're high pressure, is that employees feel that if they don't donate or don't donate enough, they get a proverbial "black mark" from the employer. I doubt that's the case but it the pressure to donate certainly can be intimidating.

 

[pattytx]

I agree, Beth3. It sure sounds like a pressure tactic to me. I hate that!

 

[texaswillie]

The type of action you described is wide spread in industry today. Some of it is fed by the ego trip some top managment officials take as they like to hear their company has achieved 100% participation in a certain campaign.The bad part of all this is that a few jerks like to keep tabs on which employees have declined to contribute. While they will never admit this is a factor, my expierence has shown that it is a very hard to prove factor when it comes to promotions, raises, time off,transfers, etc.

The non-contributing employee is labled a "non-team player". I don't know what your relationship is with your employer nor what future events may hold for you in terms of advancement, raisies, transfers, etc. Just keep a good diary, just in the event you are faced with a negative event that you beleive could be connected with your "contribution status".