The Salon Doesn’t Make The Cut

(I’m helping with a fundraiser at the local mall. We have various stalls set up selling special items or offering special services, with all the profits going to charity. A woman that recently opened a hair salon arrives and asks to speak to one of the staff as she sets up.)

Woman: “You know, I was thinking on the way over here. This is usually a day off for me, yet I’ve agreed to come in and work for you.”

Me: “Yes, well, it’s for a good cause.”

Woman: “Yeah, but I’m not going to see a single penny for today.”

Me: “Again, that’s because it’s going to charity.”

Woman: “I know but… well, I’m just going to come out and say it: I don’t think this is at all fair for me, so I want to ask for an amendment to be made.”

Me: “And that is?”

Woman: “Either I get 50% of the profits from today, or I walk.”

(There is a moment of stunned silence. Slowly I look around at the other people, many of whom have likewise agreed to come and work on their days off without protest.)

Me: “Well, I guess you walk, then.”

Woman: “…What?!”

Me: “If you don’t want to work for free, then you’re free to leave.”

Woman: “Wha… but… I’ve got folks coming for me to do their hair today! They’ll be wondering where I am!”

Me: “Then I’ll tell them what you said about demanding the right to take money from charity.”

Woman: “WHAT?! But that’ll kill business for me!”

Me: “Well, that’s on you. Everyone here agreed to the hours and the terms of this fundraiser, and none of them have expressed the selfish attitude I’m hearing from you.”

Woman: “Okay, I’ll stay! I’ll stay!”

(She frantically begins setting up, then goes to work without a peep. Thinking that’s that, I go back to helping with the other businesses who’re participating. A few hours later I’m approached by another lady.)

Lady: “Hey, I don’t want to complain, but the woman from the hair salon over there? She’s been telling every customer she’s worked with how unfair it is that you’re not paying her for this charity event. It’s making several people rather uneasy.”

Me: *sigh* “Hold on. I’ll get my manager.”

(We contacted security and promptly have her removed from the mall. Surprisingly, she still managed to stay in business afterwards.)