Martin v. Mars Manufacturing Co.

WHICHARD, Judge.

On 21 December 1979 defendant-employer sponsored, and paid all the expenses of, a Christmas party for its employees. The party was held at a Moose Lodge near the business premises. *578Personnel office employees posted notices at the plant regarding the party. All employees were invited and encouraged to attend. Attendance was voluntary, however, and no attendance records were kept.

Wages were paid for the time employees spent at the party. Employees who did not attend were also compensated and were not required to work in lieu of attendance. The party was an annual event which the…