Originally Posted by
FlyingR6
Should we pick up a quart of oil on the way to work too? How about throwing $50 to the fueler?
It doesn't matter it's a few dollars. If we need it to do our job, it should be provided.
First of all, we ALL understand your point. What I think you fail to realize (or just plain didn't know) is that just about EVERY worker in America has to spend their own personal money on job related items. In fact, you've already done it assuming you have a suitcase and a flashlight. You are REQUIRED to have a flashlight per our publications and one HAS NOT been provided. For most others, uniforms (or appropriate attire) aren't covered. Lawyers, doctors, engineers, etc. Some waiters/waitresses need certain types of clothing to work at a restaurant (not sure you ever saw the movie Office Space). There are probably thousands of regular workers all over the world that have had to spend their OWN money to purchase an item that arguably the company should pay for. Where do you draw the line? Good question. But I'm certainly not doing so on this matter because . . .
Second, the cost DOES matter. It's a freaking cheap safety vest. If safety vests cost $300, then yes, you stand on a soapbox. At $7, you're just petty. You look, sound (and probably are) an arse!!!! You think a guy working for a lawn service company is gonna complain about a one-time $7 safety vest purchase? You think he understands your plight? You think school teachers, who routinely spend hundreds on decorations and things for YOUR kids at their school, will side w/ you in a strike when it comes out you don't want to do an important safety step of your job over a safety vest? Hell, the flashlight probably cost you more.
Third, THE MATTER WAS ALREADY HANDLED FOR YOU by the union. You don't think they had a discussion about vests before they decided to buy everyone one? I'm sure it went something like this forum until someone smart stood up and pointed out the points I made above. This is union money WELL SPENT - it's useful, it promotes a more safe environment and it shows that we're not petty (at least some of us).
Honestly, the whole matter is fairly freakin embarrasing. Public debates such as these diminish the status of our profession. I can't believe how out of touch we seem to have become.