I live in a ruby red state and I’ve found in many instances, I have almost no rights as a worker. I thought I would write up a quick summary of how I’ve handled myself when I experienced something a lot of employees have had happen: finding out a newer employee makes more than you.
There will be parts of this that some of you disagree with, because it will feel like you’re stroking your boss’s ego. Just remember—this has been very effective for me. Results are all I care about. And if the boss doesn’t give me what I want, he will lose a good employee unceremoniously.
So without further ado, here is how you should take your power back it a boss hires on a coworker at a higher wage than you:
1.) Ask for a one on one conversation with your boss. Do this in person rather than by phone or email. Make them look you in the eye and make them feel guilty.
2.) Explain that you heard so-and-so earned a higher wage than you. DO NOT name the coworker. Companies say they won’t retaliate but that’s usually BS, and they will find some fake reason to terminate your fellow worker or else somehow make their life a living hell.
3.) Say you brought it up to your boss directly because you always felt you two had a good rapport, and you were shocked and hurt yo find that one of your coworkers got brought in at a higher wage for equal work. The “good rapport” thing can be a complete lie. The point is to lay the guilt on thick.
4.) If the boss starts justifying why the coworker makes more than you, don’t go there. Don’t get into a tit for tat over how that employee doesn’t do as much as you do and how you’re a better worker. It’s a common tactic by management to try to pit workers against one another. Your higher paid coworker is not your enemy here. Instead, try to give the manager an “out” to save face by saying something like “Since I know your character, I figured this was probably an accidental oversight on your part. I know you’d never intentionally pay a newer employee less than a seasoned worker who has a great relationship with you.”
5.) If they say it’s not in the budget or otherwise deny your request, it’s time to go scorched earth. That boss is shameless and it’s not a job worth salvaging. Things will not get better and you’ll be further exploited. Thank them for “hearing you out” and act professional. But then just do none of your job responsibilities. Show up, clock in, screw around. Play game me on your phone. Get chatty with coworkers. Take your long bathroom breaks. Get fired and collect unemployment.