I was recently asked to interpret the interview of the winners of a sports event this weekend. I was told that I would be paid for two days (Sat & Sun). And that if the weather was bad the event would go ahead as they have an indoor facility available.
Come today, the PIC called me and said that because Saturday is forecast for heavy rain, the Saturday games will not go ahead and they will only need me for Sunday, and will only pay me for 1 day.
Since I was originally told that it would be an 2 day job that it would not be affected by rain due to indoor facility being available. I think it is fair that they compensate me for both days or at least half compensation for the day that they do not need me for.
Are there any other people here doing interpretation work? I am not sure what is standard in these types of situations.
11 comments
Why should you get paid for the day that was cancelled, though? It isn’t like you already travelled there or had to do any work for it yet…
Unless they had you sign some sort of contract, I don’t see what power you’d have to force them to compensate you for time you didn’t work.
I have interacted with interpreters/their contracts a few times and they sometimes have a cancellation policy that is explained to the client before hand
LOL! Talk about entitled!
Nobody likes a ドタã‚ャン, but let’s not be greedy.
Enjoy the Saturday off and forget about billing them your full fee for lost opportunity.
Would you be willing to pay someone for work that was no longer required and that they, therefore, did not have to actually come and perform, after you had given them, albeit short, notice?
I have hired interpreters for events. Never 2-day engagements and always through an agency.
I believe agencies have T&Cs that cover cancellations. If you didn’t, that’s that.
Wrt fairness, it is a couple of days beforehand, not like on the day and if you haven’t laid out any cash for a hotel or travel, I don’t think they need to compensate.
I get what you are saying about not being able to take another job, but if you are that concerned, get a contract in place.
All I’m saying is that my favorite dental clinic doesn’t charge me when I don’t show up for a cleaning appointment..
If you have no contract in place with a cancellation policy, there’s no reason to expect payment for days you don’t work.
Lesson learned. Get it in written next time.
Are you already established or trying to get your foot in the door?
Lesson learned, next time get a contract in writing that includes a clause to cover this type of risk. This time you are SOL.
If you are starting your own business as an interpreter you should probably talk to a lawyer to have some kind of agreement written up and have your clients sign it.. otherwise a verbal agreement would be a lot of more complicated to contest in this situation