Should I have to pay for this?

[Peter Williams]

Last night at work a notice was put up saying that as of Feb 1st, everyone at must wear black shoes (I work at a grocery store). According to the management, we have to pay for them. I deal alot with unloading trucks, lots of pallets, forklifts and heavy skids around. I learned the hard way a few months ago that steel toed boots are a must. I wear standard tan coloured steel toed work boots, which I only got a few months ago. I'm just wondering what your guys opinion is on this? My boots are nearly brand new and I don't want to go out and spend $150 on a new pair just because of the colour, tan work boots are pretty standard I think.

So what do you think? Should I have to pay for new work boots just because of the colour?

[Texas Dan]

Last night at work a notice was put up saying that as of Feb 1st, everyone at must wear black shoes (I work at a grocery store). According to the management, we have to pay for them. I deal alot with unloading trucks, lots of pallets, forklifts and heavy skids around. I learned the hard way a few months ago that steel toed boots are a must. I wear standard tan coloured steel toed work boots, which I only got a few months ago. I'm just wondering what your guys opinion is on this? My boots are nearly brand new and I don't want to go out and spend $150 on a new pair just because of the colour, tan work boots are pretty standard I think.

So what do you think? Should I have to pay for new work boots just because of the colour?

No. you shouldn't have to. But then again, I'm not sure. I know in the military, if they require you to do wear something, they have to provide at least 1. I would talk to your boss and say "I can't afford new boots, and if you are making me get some, you should pay for them. Because it wasn't a requirement when you first started.

[Gloryhound]

If they say it is a condition of employment then yes. You can always try and renegotiate the terms of your employment, but due to current economic conditions unless you have a union backing you will probably find someone else doing your job and getting your pay check. Could also even happen if you have a union backing you.

[Peter Williams]

If they say it is a condition of employment then yes. You can always try and renegotiate the terms of your employment, but due to current economic conditions unless you have a union backing you will probably find someone else doing your job and getting your pay check. Could also even happen if you have a union backing you.

I have been working there for 3 years, and only yesterday they made it a "requirement". They did not give any particular reason why it suddenly became an issue. It's kind of a "because I said so" deal. We are not part of a union. I don't think that I would be fired. I work in a department of only 5 people, all of us with much experience, it would put them at a severe disadvantage to get rid of me.

[L.West]

To avoid any conflict with your employers - simply dye the suede on the current work boots - that will save you from buying new ones.

Hope this helps.

[MiniJ83]

I'd say ask to see if they'll cover the charge of new boots, or at least a partial reimbursement. The worst that can happen is they say "no."

Hopefully they'll help you out a bit...$150 isn't exactly pocket change. I wouldn't want to shell out for a new pair either.

[Typical_08]

Problem solved for $2.19

http://www.countryclubsupply.com/servlet/Detail?no=8604

Durn. West, I missed your post. Ah well.

[Gloryhound]

I have been working there for 3 years, and only yesterday they made it a "requirement". They did not give any particular reason why it suddenly became an issue. It's kind of a "because I said so" deal. We are not part of a union. I don't think that I would be fired. I work in a department of only 5 people, all of us with much experience, it would put them at a severe disadvantage to get rid of me.

I used to get a $200 dollar a year clothing allowance for work cloths. Guess what? Not this year! I go through 2 pairs of carbon Fiber toed Wolverine boots a year in my line of work. I pay about $200 to $250 a pair on them depending on the sale at the time. It is required to have steel toe boots when you enter the work site. I pay it. Yes I could get cheaper regular steel toe boots, but the comfort is well worth it on the long 16 to 20 hour days I spend on my feet. The company does not give me a dime for it even though the use of steel toe boots are required by OSHA in my line of work. If your value to the company is good enough sure go head and ask! I prefer pointing out my value to the company during reviews and when going in to talk about my next raise.

[cassandra]

Yeah, I'd vote for dying the boots. You might look for a cobbler where you live as they'll probably be pretty inexpensive and do a better job than I know I could probably do...

[DMTWI]

To avoid any conflict with your employers - simply dye the suede on the current work boots - that will save you from buying new ones.

Hope this helps.

Yup, exactly. Then get a couple skull & crossbones stickers and place them on the toes of your 'new' boots.