Internet backs employee who refused to donate water for outdoor laborers during the heat wave

Given the ongoing rise in living costs, most individuals are concerned that even a six-figure salary does not suffice their monthly expenses. Amid these circumstances, some employers expect their employees to contribute their hard-earned money for work-related purchases. When criticized by the employees, these utterly unfair claims could create a bad impression on them. An office worker, u/matthiasims, took to Reddit to share their woes about their manager's demands to donate water for outdoor laborers. While the manager shamed their refusal to donate water during the heat wave, hundreds of folks online came in their support.

The employee mainly emphasized how paying for bottled water for the laborers who were toiling in the sun was the employer's responsibility in the first place. "This past week, my manager came over and said that he picked up the last case of water for the workers outside (I work inside) and if we could all chip in a few dollars to get more bottled water," the employee explained. "This immediately had me kind of confused because from what I understand of workers' rights, it's the employer's responsibility to provide water to the workers," they added. They couldn't fathom why the manager expected the office employees to bear the water costs.

The employee also pointed out their office had "water bottle filling stations," where the outside laborers could easily fetch cold water anytime. They saw no point in asking the employees to chip in for bottled water. "I responded, asking how that works and if I should keep my receipt to claim it on my taxes as a work-related purchase. He responded that it was not a work-related purchase and then proceeded to subtly shame me for not wanting to 'donate' water," they explained. The worker found it "unfair" that the manager, who earned at least $7 more than the employees, expected them to donate water costs. "The rental and cost of living prices at the moment are astronomically high and some people might genuinely not be able to afford to dish out extra funds for bottled water at work," they added.

The employee's principles were also against bottled water because of the single-use plastic and predatory manufacturers. "All of that being said, I don't mind forking out a couple of bucks, but I also don't feel it's fair for the employees to have to 'donate' water for use at work," they explained. Seeking the internet's help, the employee wanted to know if this demand was legal and if they should address it. "It's a minor issue, but I witnessed a coworker stress out and rush to bring a case of water after her work hours because our manager made her feel like she had to," they added. 

The internet sided with the employee and condemned the management for not bearing the water costs. "That's not your responsibility. They need to provide access to water for those workers. And no, you don't have to 'chip in.' Just remind them that it's their responsibility and if they throw a fit, just report it to OSHA," suggested u/Dr-Wankenstein. "They can 'request' all they want. They can't mandate it. They should be providing it if it is necessary for hydration and worker safety," said u/ziggy029. "Asking the workers to donate bottled water? Not illegal. The employer's failure to provide water? It's very much illegal in all 50 states and US territories. Put a call into OSHA with quickness if they fail to provide water," added u/Puzzleheaded-Bear776.