GRRR...I hate being strong-armed for contributions at work!

[geniph]

It's bad enough forever being harassed to contribute $3 or $5 or whatever for co-workers' retirements and baby showers and suchlike, but there's a woman in my group retiring that most of us are heartily glad to see leave. She's been here for more than 30 years, though, so they feel some sort of recognition is in order - and they're strong-arming us for $20 apiece! $20!!! Now, mind you, this is a woman whom I dislike and who most definitely dislikes me. I am thoroughly thankful she is leaving. But $20 is more than I would contribute for a co-worker I liked, let alone for one I do not. I've tried tactfully turning them away ("I haven't any cash on me" and "no, I'm not interested in contributing right now") but it doesn't work - they keep coming back. Apparently, it's compulsory that I cough up my $20 share of her retirement gift. (This is public sector, so the organization does not provide things like retirement gifts.)

They can frigging FORGET it. I HATE being strong-armed and having people try to shame me into a contribution I do not wish to make! I wish she'd just get the hell OUT of here already, but I don't want to BRIBE her to do it!

:mad:

[Blue-Jay]

1. We have a huge United Way drive every year at work.

I usually make my charitable donations of time and money directly to the various charities that I like to support, and I'm always bugged by being forced (yes, FORCED) to attend the annual UW meeting.

They used to offer us an extra day off if the company (1200 employees) exceeded donations from 90% of the employees. Every year, we had a donation rate of around 98%. Last year, they dumped the "free day". Our donation percentage was 21%. Go figure.

[Rowdyboy]

2. Thats a very crude way for them to handle the matter....

I worked for the state employment service for 25 years. When anyone would leave, an envelope was passed. Each person put in as much or little as he or she chose. The managers would usually chip in enough to provide a really nice retirement gift.

Over the years, I contributed what I could, when I could, as did everyone. No one was singled out for not contributing, and everyone signed the card. When I reached management, I contributed more-because I could afford to.

There was one guy that I really hated and I gave nothing-didn't go to the reception, didn't even eat a piece of the retirement cake.

Don't let them guilt you into giving money you don't have to give.

[geniph]

4. I quite agree

I infinitely prefer the people who have the taste and sense to just make it known that they have an envelope at their desk. However, the woman collecting for this particular gift is a friend of the lady who's retiring, and she's keeping track of who has and has not contributed, and how much. I wouldn't put it past her to reveal that to the recipient, either. Tacky, tacky. Not that I give a flying shit what either of them think of me, but I want them to stop BOTHERING me about it.

[rucky]

3. I'm sure the SICK CHILDREN will understand

:evilgrin:

[LDS Jock]

5. at one company I worked for

this crap was forbidden by HR. No one should feel pressured to do things at work unrelated to work, whether donations, celebrations or whatever. I know no one wants to be the party pooper, but you could try it.

[daligirrl]

6. We have a "Birthday Fund" where I work. ..

It's so stupid, because they don't celebrate everybody's birthday. It's only the good worker bees that benefit from it. I make a point of not contributing.

[arbusto_baboso]

7. <SIGH> I know. We have to turn in our contribution cards

even if we're donating nothing. How much of a strong-arm tactic is that! "Let's embarass the fuck out of people so they give to this'charity' which'll probably embezzle their money or use it for $8000 office chairs."

How the hell does my employer know what charities I might donate to away from work?

[Zomby Woof]

8. this is one situation

Where having counterfeit money would come in handy.