I think people were well within their rights to ask for financial compensation for staying on. If management weren't up for that, they could always say no. A half day in lieu is useless. people get a half day for having their bloody medical on a day off. or coming in for some poxy meeting about nothing. These situations are not comparable with being asked to stay on and work in a non standard situation for an unknown amount of time all the time not knowing how you will get home or to your hotel?