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AIBU?

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Original poster

To think we shouldn't have to work the day before Christmas Eve?

664 replies

blinddoorshyt · 05/12/2024 09:33

I work in a bathroom shop.
We are closed over Christmas and were lead to believe we broke up on the 22nd
Turns out now we don't
On the 23rd we have to travel to Manchester (3 hours each way ) to have a buffet and games with the company owner.
We have to listen to a presentation on how the company's done this year.
If we don't go we will have a day deducted from our salary.
It's the day before Christmas Eve and we have to drive to Manchester to have picky food with the owner and play Christmas games.
Aibu to think it's ridiculous?
And we have been repeatedly told if we don't go we won't get paid and it will halt any progression in the company !

OP posts:
GridlockonMain · 05/12/2024 09:56

I actually don’t think it’s reasonable for them to expect you to do a six hour round trip which means you won’t get home until midnight. Presumably those aren’t your usual hours? Are you being paid for the overtime? What about your petrol / train tickets etc?

RoseQuail · 05/12/2024 09:55

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Inmydreams88 · 05/12/2024 09:55

Are travel expenses being paid and over time for your extra hours?

Original poster
blinddoorshyt · 05/12/2024 09:55

We work in a shop
Nowhere in our contract does it mention any travelling
I wouldn't care if the shop is open
The 6 hour drive is the issue

OP posts:
harriettenightingale · 05/12/2024 09:54

It's not just sausage rolls, it's a teambuilding session, isn't it? These things are often mandatory but I agree you should get overtime pay.

Lifestooshort71 · 05/12/2024 09:54

We had to work until 8pm Christmas Eve (if that fell on 'our late shift') and annual leave was booked months in advance. It's a part of adulting that hits hard when you leave school.

ShortNTall · 05/12/2024 09:54

"Mad friday" here too.

I agree that 23rd Dec is just a normal working day. However, are you cross that it's being used solely for a mandatory long distance Christmas social rather than actually working in the shop? Would you rather they'd made the Christmas party optional and you could've chosen not to go and finished work on Thursday 22nd instead which is when actual retail activity in the shop will cease?

Edited to add - If you are, I can understand why but I think you have to suck it up as a team building activity, as PP have suggested. I assume you are getting reimbursed for travel?

ByMerryKoala · 05/12/2024 09:54

blinddoorshyt · 05/12/2024 09:52

@Stretchanoctave yeah it's such a treat having to drive 6 hours for a few sausage rolls

Well, it's work, isn't it? It's not designed for your convenience.

SkunderlaiSkendi · 05/12/2024 09:54

What is blackeye friday?

I have never heard that used..is that some kind of roadman talk?

RoseQuail · 05/12/2024 09:53

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Original poster
blinddoorshyt · 05/12/2024 09:52

@RoseQuail 15 min drive to the shop
The shops been open nearly a year

OP posts:
RoseQuail · 05/12/2024 09:52

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Original poster
blinddoorshyt · 05/12/2024 09:52

@Stretchanoctave yeah it's such a treat having to drive 6 hours for a few sausage rolls

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RoseQuail · 05/12/2024 09:52

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RoseQuail · 05/12/2024 09:52

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isthesolution · 05/12/2024 09:51

Can you Take it as annual leave?

xILikeJamx · 05/12/2024 09:51

It's a normal working day, so you should be working.

However having to travel all that way is total nonsense and I'd be making a serious stink about it. Are folk from shops in Scotland, Cornwall, Kent etc all expected to go too? Are they being paid hourly for the whole time they're away including food and travel expenses?

The sensible thing would be something like you either come to the fun day or you're in the store tidying, mopping, organising etc. and still getting paid for it

Stretchanoctave · 05/12/2024 09:51

Break up? Are you 5 years old.

Pretty mean of your company to provide a day off from working with a free lunch.

Original poster
blinddoorshyt · 05/12/2024 09:51

The shop being open would of been fine
It's travelling to Manchester
Event starts at 9 am and finishes 6 pm
So won't be home till 9pm at night

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Original poster
blinddoorshyt · 05/12/2024 09:50

@CyranoDeBergerQuack big difference between being at work and having to drive 6 hours the day before Christmas Eve

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aperolspritzbasicbitch · 05/12/2024 09:49

Off the topic, but interesting to see what people in different areas call the last Friday before Xmas.

Here it's Factory Friday 🤣

Original poster
blinddoorshyt · 05/12/2024 09:49

@RoseQuail I live between Morpeth /newcastle so it's around 3 hours each way

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Original poster
blinddoorshyt · 05/12/2024 09:48

@TimeForTeaAndG they pick a central location as they have shops all over the uk

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harriettenightingale · 05/12/2024 09:47

I guess "black eye Friday" is another name for "Mad Friday" as some people call it. The last working day before Xmas for many people, often people finish early and go out drinking straight after work/have work drinks in the office.

Original poster
blinddoorshyt · 05/12/2024 09:47

@DrinkFeckArseBrick between Morpeth and Newcastle upon Tyne

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