Questioning “Work Coverups”

On April 26’s New York edition of The New York Times, Randy Cohen answered a question (here I provide a brief paraphrase, but I recommend that you first read the original question and response) from an employee who works for a nonprofit organization. The employee wanted to know if it’s ethical for the organization to require him to purchase a “sort of uniform” for work.

Randy answers no. He argues that employers must provide the gears specific to the job, but not general items like shoes, which you'll need for any job. Here's Randy's formula: If the clothing can be worn after work, then you are responsible for providing it. Otherwise, your employer is.

Sounds simple enough. However, below I point out four problems for Randy’s response.