Forgive the formatting as I'm on mobile right now,
But basically the title, I'm a college student working for a non profit as event staff that promotes culture exchange for Japan, and I just wanted to see if I can actually convince (or at least build a good argument for ) giving me and my coworkers a better hourly pay (or even just me, seeing as I've worked here for 2 freaking years).
Here's a quick rundown:
-I started this job with being paid 1$ more than minimum wage, which worked for me until I get my degree
-we work long hours (well into midnight sometimes, basically 10hr shifts [ex. 1pm-11pm/12am]) as we set up and take down tables, chairs, decorations for both public and private rental events (mostly wedding ceremonies and receptions) and other little job discription duties, but also other positions duties as well occasionally.
-during and after Covid I was one of the few consistent employees left due to high turnover, during this time I worked other positions as well with my same pay rate. No compensation, barely got a tiny bonus at the end of December, 175$
-as min wage went up in my state my pay did not increase, only matched it
-this job is physically demanding and labor intensive when we do weddings, which is often.
-i recently found out that staff in another department get paid more than us, but they only work during business hours(only occasionally work outside of the Hours of Operation for special events), and do way less labor than us (it's a tiny gift shop). I do understand that our admission is 50% of this Non Profit's income, so I'm never going to argue they deserve less. They get paid 13.20-13.60(?) I believe.
-theres only 5 of us event staff and we often work large weddings, sometimes up to 200 people. The only thing is there is quite a bit of down time in-between so we walk around and just check trash/bathrooms every hour or so.
-its a part time that really tries to cap our hours at 20-25 a week.
-No benefits for part time employees besides like, a free membership and employee discount of 20% which is like, nothing really.
End of Rundown
I'm not even gonna go into the stuff I've done personally, but I've got ADHD and I'm a people pleaser who gives 150% often, so I've done a lot of shit that lets me deserve higher pay, and I'm teetering on the edge of burnout bc of it.
I also got background checked to handle cash, certified to serve alcohol, and I basically can't use any of those anymore bc we changed a lot of rules and position responsibilities.
I like it here, but let's be real: this feels and probably is exploitive and I want to demand better pay because I've got nothing to lose and everything to gain from it. I can easily find another job but I'm comfortable here,I do support the mission and I love this culture, plus the transition to a new job will not be smooth as I'm working on graduation this semester and that's only a month away now.
I already know they'll bring up the 'we're a non profit we can't afford to pay you more' crap but if the director says to me personally that we aren't hurting for money and boosts the gift shop staff's pay (who is also part time) by ~6.25% (yes I calculated it) I think we can do the same for event staff.
We are in the top 3 or 4 departments that bring income to this place, and my manager says we've brought in $81k ALONE with private rentals this fiscal year, and it's not even over yet.
We work hard and do heavy physical labor long into the night.
We deserve better pay, it's that's simple. I'm just not good at words but if anyone can help me build a great argument for a raise that would be nice, thanks.