I work for a non-profit organization as a full-time hourly employee, non-exempt from overtime. We had a holiday party on Friday after I had already clocked in my 40 hours. Attendance was voluntary, and so I chose to go because it would be fun! I did not help set-up as I was never asked to, and I have made it known that I do not volunteer for my job – we have had problems in the past due to inaccurate compensation.
I got there around 6pm, maybe a little later, and left around 8:30pm – party was supposed to end at 8pm. On my way out I said goodbye to my coworkers and asked if there was anything I needed to bring back with me. They said goodbye, hugs, lovely and they didn't give me anything to bring back. I left with my fiance and friend.
Come Monday, about an hour before writing this, me and my coworker (friend that I left with) get sat down by our “HR” who proceeds to tell us that we were being inconsiderate because we showed up late to the party, didn't even help set up and that when it came to wrap up at the end of the night they were wondering where we were at for breakdown. “We're a team” they said and it would've been nice to have the extra hands at the end of the night.
Even though we were not even required to be there but were apparently expected to help set-up and break down without anyone having asked us ahead of time.
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I ask you all, was I being inconsiderate for leaving the party at 8:30 and not helping set-up or breakdown? I was not going to be paid for either of those times for this function.