My company said that if we make a contribution to the United Way through a deduction from my paycheck, we will get a half-day off. Is that legal?. . . . . I'm mean.. . . . I would like to have a half day, but if I can't afford to contribute, how is that fair to me and other people here at work in the same position?

It is not discriminatory at all. Many companies have that practice.

Let me know if you have any other questions.

My company said that if we make a contribution to the United Way through a deduction from my paycheck, we will get a half-day off. Is that legal?. . . . . I'm mean.. . . . I would like to have a half day, but if I can't afford to contribute, how is that fair to me and other people here at work in the same position?


TIme off and "perks" can be at an employer's discretion. They are using the time off as a motivation factor to get people to contribute and they are doing their part as a company for the cause.

In your personal opinion, regardless of it being legal or non discriminatory. Do you think it is "fair." I understand that this is a legal forum, but as a member of this society, I just wanted to get your "personal" opinion regarding this issue. It would seem, in essence, people are bascially "paying" for their half-day off. Which leads me to the next conclusion, that only people that can "afford" to pay/contribute, get the half-day off. If we all work for the same company, any benefit or "perk" should be available to all employees regardless of their ability to "meet some criteria" in order to enjoy the benefit. Any personal thoughts. . . . . . . .

In your personal opinion, regardless of it being legal or non discriminatory. Do you think it is "fair." I understand that this is a legal forum, but as a member of this society, I just wanted to get your "personal" opinion regarding this issue. It would seem, in essence, people are bascially "paying" for their half-day off. Which leads me to the next conclusion, that only people that can "afford" to pay/contribute, get the half-day off. If we all work for the same company, any benefit or "perk" should be available to all employees regardless of their ability to "meet some criteria" in order to enjoy the benefit. Any personal thoughts. . . . . . . .

I understand your frustration.
Fortunately, I am now and have been self-employed since 1999.
When I worked for major corporations, there was a lot of pressure for us to make the contribution to the organization you cited.
We were not offered any incentives as you have been, but rather, "scorned" if we did not contribute.
It is a personal decision who to give to whenever charity is concerned.
However, I think the fact that you get the "bonus" of the time off for giving to this charity is a fair way to do it; you give something and you get something.
Again, I understand your frustration that only those who can afford to give will get that time off, but look at it this way: they really did have to pay for it in monetary dollars, so they are not getting anything for nothing.
Best wishes.
Sue

In my opinion, it is fair. It is impossible to meet the desires and needs of every employee. For example, when I managed benefits for a large corporation, some employees felt it was unfair that employees with children received subsidized medical benefits that are proportionately larger. The same is true for people who need time off to care for a sick family member (as opposed to a person without dependents).

I believe it is admirable for the company to try to encourage contributions by offering time off.

Thank you for your responses. The interesting twist to this issue, is that my family and I give significantly to other charitable organizations outside of work, including my church and the United Way. That being said, can I go back to my employer and show them my donation to the United Way and ask them for my half-day off. Probably not. And if that's the case, apearently, my employer is not at all concerned for the charitable cause, but rather having their corporate indentity attached to the contribution "suckered" on my behalf.