At work I'm responsible for our team, my role is focused around them and had planned our Christmas party months ago as a team only (no partners) event on a Friday afternoon in December. All agreed, numbers confirmed etc.
My boss has now decided he doesn't want to do this anymore and wants us to have a family gathering in the office on the Saturday before Christmas. Just drinks and nibbles, with everyone's partners/kids invited, with the main reason for this change being given as we are now finishing on the 17th of December, gifting people extra leave so we cannot justify giving people another half day off.
AIBU to think this is a ridiculous plan, most people will have plans that Saturday nor will people want to spend a Saturday in an office when they clocked off for the year on the Friday?
I've suggested the Friday from 4pm, but apparently that makes it too hard for partners/family to attend.
I have plans on the Saturday before Christmas, so raised it with my boss that I could attend but not from start to finish. His response was it his expectation as a senior person I'd be there for the team. AIBU or would you attend such an event on a Saturday afternoon?