So this happened to a friend. Has worked hard at a company for 5 years now. Has gotten yearly raises, but still accepting below market average pay (10/hr less than you can find in our area) because she really enjoys the work.
Finds out the new guy receives the same salary as friend, because it's really a workers market in our city and boss simply could not find a new worker willing to accept the original starter wage offered. Boss purposefully only hires new graduates (saying they like someone who is easily moldable, and yet also using the low experience as a reason to give shit pay) but even then, had to raise the starting wage.
Friend goes to boss and says she'd like a raise, as she's been in the company 5yrs, is already being offered low pay, and doesn't want to also be paid as little as someone with no experience at all. Especially since the company made record high profits this year. Boss says she totally understands, and will get back to friend after the weekend.
Monday comes round, and this asshole sits friend through a powerpoint (condescending AF imo) and basically says “you were happy before you knew what others were making, so wanting more than them is just your greed” and used that to refuse a raise. Bitch, she tolerated your low pay, she wasn't happy with it.
Friend, one of the most loyal worker bees you could find, has finally opened her eyes and is looking for new employment. Her boss is gonna have a hell of a hard time finding someone to replace her…you reap what you sow!