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

You work the hours you are contracted to. I'll be finishing at 5pm on 24th, no travelling to relatives for me unless they fancy me arriving at 3am on 25th Dec, probably around the same time as Santa.

This.

This thread is eye opening because it shows how these unreasonable employers get away with this shit.

Too many people willing to act like serfs who should be grateful to have any kind of job and not willing to stand up and say, "That's not in my contract so unless you're going to properly remunerate me for that I won't be doing it."

I don't think it's unreasonable you even might enjoy it and you will get paid and it will give you an opportunity to meet everyone outside work.I would go if I was you.

FFS! RTFT! Why are people still coming on saying the same thing 🙈

You haven't RTFT have you?

Whilst I wouldn't subject my staff to that I wouldn't have more than a grumble if a boss said that to me.

If it's a normal working day for you, then I don't see how you can refuse to go! The 23rd December is a normal working day, as is the 24th. It's down to the discretion of the company how early they close and when. Yes, some companies will shut on the 20th and not reopen until January, this is common within the building and construction industry. However, if a person is self-employed, then it's not unreasonable for them to want the services of a bathroom shop on or before the 24th December. I used to have to work up until the 24th December, in an office based role, and we might be allowed to leave at 3 pm on that day. We would be expected to work between 27th December - 31st December too.

I'd take the option of losing a days pay!

But it involves six hours of unpaid travel. Not exactly a normal working day and incredibly unreasonable.

Honestly, it's depressing how many on this thread sound like either bad managers or people who've drunk the Kool-Aid in terms of what a workplace can and can't reasonably expect. Or both.

Unfortunately the OP didn't phrase it properly, which has muddied the waters for those who just reply to the first post. If she'd phrased it something like: "AIBU to not want to have to travel on the day before Christmas Eve for 6 hours, unpaid, for a full working day in an office over 300 miles away when I work in a local shop and had been told I'd have that day off", she might have had a better response.

Something very wrong with you!

Your employer is a thoughtless arsehole OP. It isn't remotely reasonable to expect you to travel three hours there for a 9am start and be there until 6pm and then travel 3 hours back without any reimbursement for travel expenses or for having to do business travel outside of work time. The travel costs will likely be a significant chunk of your daily pay. Travel on 23rd December is likely to be extremely busy owing to people getting away for Christmas and travelling to family etc. What on earth are you all supposed to be doing there all day for 9 hours ..how long does it take for some corporate fat cat to do a speech about bathroom tiles profits and dole out some mince pies....what an absolute waste of your time. Don't go and then spend the day brushing up your CV and start job hunting...

Why is the thread title what it is if the OP doesn't have a problem with working the day before Christmas eve?

Nothing in her contract requires her to work three hours away, particularly without being compensated for her travel time and expenses.

It's paid?

The day involves six hours of unpaid travel time and significant expenses which aren't reimbursed and probably exceed her earnings for the day.

I wouldn’t dream of being so superior.

No, you weren't dreaming of it. You were doing it.

I have a long career behind me in professional services. I cannot and never have experienced a situation like this. The only way it would be reasonable is if travel expenses were paid or hotel accommodation was laid on. The expectation is utterly unreasonable and if you'd be happy to drive for six hours, some 370 miles the day before Christmas Eve, then good on you. However, I cannot think of a single scenario in any job I have had where an employer would do this. Yes she should book leave because I can guarantee her management won't be doing this. They'll be put up "on expenses".

@TheFormidableMrsC I have read what she's said and she's been disparaging about the purpose and implied the presentation won't be worth her paying any attention to, but it's still a working day, for all employees of the company where she works, to attend to engage what the employer wants them to focus on. It's fine if OP, or PP think it'll be a bit of a doss, or boring, non essential to the day to day running of the shop, but whatever. It's paid, it's directed. Either book the day off or get yourself there as expected. It's literally a one off.

@Hellisemptyallthdevilsarehere If you'd RTFT you'd know it's not "working", it's a jolly.

Honestly this thread has been a joke for the OP. Nobody reads, loads come on and say the same thing and also don't read.

For clarity :

OP was told finish was Friday 20th.
She was then told she had to attend an "event" at her own expense that required a six hour round trip (300 odd miles).
She had to be there at 9 am, requiring her to leave to travel at 6 am on one of the busiest days of the year.

She was told if she didn't attend she'd lose a day's pay.
SHE IS NOT COMPLAINING ABOUT WORKING ON THE 23rd.

If the 23rd was a normal working day for the business she'd be there. BUT IT'S NOT.

OP, again, tell them to fuck off. I'd also be looking for a new job as they have shit management and are completely unreasonable.

Oh, so working from home (more convenient) would be fine and employers should facilitate, but working from a less convenient location is out of the question on one occasion when it's central for all involved.

I answered the OP and someone who queried the term. I don’t know who you think you are, but there’s no dam rule that demands that every comment is read and I’m not about to field
20+ pages! Regardless, just because you might know the term, others don’t. There’s no need to be rude and question people’s ability to read or learn through travel. I’m sure there’s loads of terms I know that you may not, but I wouldn’t dream of being so superior. This thread isn’t even about that!

No need to be rude! I have travelled plenty thanks both throughout the UK and around the
world. It’s not a phrase I’ve come across, and others have said exactly the same!

It had been explained many, many times by the time you posted. Many.

You must have very poor working conditions if that's what you think.

But OP was told that they would finish on Friday. Now the rules are being changed, and it seems really unfair to expect staff to make a 3 hour trip. However, either it’s work( is it an office you’re usually based in?) in which case do it in work hours, or just say you can’t get into Manchester ( trains will e fully booked rammed full and driving isn’t an option due to xx. )but you’ll work from home or from your usual office .
Or take it as leave, but point out the late change of plan has caused stress and logistical problems .

It’s unreasonable to expect you to do this driving, as it means a 5am to 9pm day, and wouldn’t be deemed to be safe in most businesses. I would raise this and say you can only do it if they pay for a train.