Work question - should I be paid for a weekend event?

[ohiomom28]

I would ask for some other form of compensation like everyone else said. Its not fair to give up 5 hours of your time for nothing.

 

[Evil Genius]

Just tell the committee that you are unable to commit to working that kind of time frame. There is no need to explain your personal life to them.

 

[kydisneyfans]

I would volunteer for a shift but let them know that you cannot work 5 hours. You can't play hardball too much in this economy, if you don't do what they want then they will find someone that will.

 

[onelilspark]

I work weekends all the time, I don't get paid extra...but I'm salaried, etc etc...

You're not. You're an hourly employee. If I were in your shoes? Absolutely I'd expect to get paid. I would bring it up to your boss. Sounds like you're a pretty level headed person, so it's not like you're going to be storming in there demanding anything. Simply stating, "You know [insert boss' name here], I was wondering about this fair coming up. I was asked to run the bean bag toss. I've been trying to figure out if it's something I'd get paid for, could you clear that up for me?" If (s)he says yes, then you can say, "Alright, I just need to make some arrangements at home." If (s)he says no, then you can say, "Thanks for clearing that up. I'm not sure how that weekend is going to shake out yet, I'll have to see if I can make arrangements." Then you've bought yourself some time to back out.

 

[bicker]

As long as they asked, and said that you won't be paid, you can say no, like EthansMom suggested (or say yes, and not expect to be paid).

That may or may not be the best decision, in today's economy, though.