Started a job in early 2019 with a certain blue cable company making $15/hr and all was good. Worked hard and moved up to $22.35/hr after busting my ass for these people. Missed funerals, weddings, and time with my family to get to this point. I knew our department was hiring and decided to check out the listing to see how far I’ve come only to be blow away at the new starting rate of $22.
That’s AWESOME for the new hires but why the fuck am I making pennies more than a new hire who isn’t as effective in our role after 3 years of tenure and experience? I had a meeting with our manager- she told me to be GRATEFUL that I’m not making $15 and the company deciding to bump the starting pay. She explained that I have additional knowledge and experience to be able to move up in the company, using the fact that she hasn’t had a raise in 4 years of promotions as justification for being underpaid. WHY THE FUCK WOULD I WANT ANOTHER OPPORTUNITY IN A COMPANY THAT DOESN’T PAY ME FAIR MARKET VALUE FOR MY EXPERIENCE???!!!
This mindset is absolutely ridiculous and hurting every single one of us trying to make ends meet. The worst part is, after bringing up our right to enter collective bargaining with some colleagues, they sided with the company and reported me to HR for it. I’m sick of being treated as disposable when it comes to wages but suddenly essential and valued when it comes to requesting time off.