What would you do if your bossdemanded that you send him moneyout of nowhere? That’s the question that an anonymous user from Australia had to answer after a$50 contributionwasforced upon themfor a farewell gift for a colleague.
Making things worse, the employee barely worked with their departing colleague and told their boss that the amount was too much for them.
“This is an HR issue. The employee needs to send this text exchange to HR,” one viewer said.
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A text exchange from a boss forcing an employee to give them $50 for a gift went viral with more than 2.4 million views
Image credits:Andrea Piacquadio/Pexels (Not the actual photo)
Image credits:ben.askins
Askinsvoiced oppositionto the idea of mandatory contributions, believing bosses and companies should foot the bill, not individual workers.
His viewers echoed his disbelief, calling the boss’s demand outrageous. One commenter asked, “What on earth are they buying for that price, a pony?”
For Askins, one of the more contentious aspects of the text exchange was that Josh, the employee who was set to receive a gift via his co-worker’s contributions, was a senior staff member and, thus, made more money than most of them.
“I understand, but he makes so much more money than me,” the employee wrote to their boss. “For me to be asked to put in so much feels weird, especially as I never really worked with him.”
The boss’ reply, however, was worrying, as they said that paying the $50 was an obligation. “This is compulsory, I’m afraid,” the boss wrote, offering a veiled threat. “It is not fair for me to ask some people and not others. Besides, it isn’t that much, all things considered.”
Askins labeled the last remark “callous” and a clear example of higher-ups not being in touch with their employees’ economic needs. “It might not be much for you, but it’s a lot for this person.”
Lawyers explained how the veiled threat present in the text exchange could mean legal trouble for the employer should the situation escalate
There are no laws prohibiting employers from asking their employees for money, given the voluntary nature of the act. However, if the refusal leads to threats or other types of harassment, it can open legal avenues for employees to defend themselves.
Derek Smith, a lawyer specializing in workplace discrimination, established three prominent cases in an article published on his website in which an employee could seek legal protection: retaliation, a hostile work environment, and discrimination.
Image credits:Joshua Mayo/Pexels (Not the actual photo)
Image credits:Kaboompics.com/Pexels (Not the actual photo)
A hostile work environment is considered when the situation is part of a pattern of behavior that deliberately discriminates against an individual, in such a way that it interferes with their ability to perform their duties, and alters the conditions of their employment.
Finally, discrimination can be invoked if the bullying targets race, religion, color, national origin, gender, orientation, disabilities, ethnicity, military or citizenship status.
Netizens shared the TikToker’s indignation and expressed how they would’ve responded had they been in the position of the affected employee
“My response? ‘I purchased my gift. Thank you,'” one wrote.
“I bet they don’t make everyone pay $50 when a lower employee leaves,” another said.
“Employees should never be asked to gift up the food chain!” Viewers were indignant over the boss’s “compulsory” demand for money
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