I have been in a management position myself for years at this company, with a few small raises a long the way. Recently we needed to add a new manager for a new department. This position was basically promised to one of our best employees who ultimately didn't get the position based on the lack of experience in management. This was strange and disappointing since we already discussed that we would give this employee a shot in that position.
What came next baffled me. My boss suddenly hired a close relative to fill in the position because that person had no current job. This was announced to me when this person was already hired. This person has no experience in this field or an office job, no real experience in management or even with computers. Sending two emails literally takes this person half a day. Not only is this a bad decision, it makes me scared that our best employee will leave us because of this. And I would totally understand.
Ultimately my boss can do whatever he wants, but because this relative has no experience, I'm basically filling in two positions to pick up all the work this person is unable to. When I discuss this with my boss, I'm told that this person can only do the tasks that fit within their capabilities and that it's just better if I do all the things this manager can't, which is a lot. I did get a small raise for my efforts, but it doesn't add up to all the extra work I'm doing. When we usually hire someone, their capabilities reflect the position, and the position is never tailored to their capabilities. And it makes it clear that our best employee was denied the job for no reason other than to make place for family.
Now the worst is yet to come. Since this person was appointed, the payrolls were suddenly hidden from me, which seemed suspect but maybe just a coincidence. Well it wasn't, because I later saw something I wasn't supposed to see. Which is, the relative is getting approx 50% more salary than I am. So basically experience, productivity and proven worth don't count as much as being from the same family. And to add insult to injury, I'm doing at least half of their job and have way more responsibilities.
I was shocked to find this out, I did not expect this from my boss after working closely with him for years and respecting the way he runs things. This feels extremely out of character. I have had a great time at this company and in this position. But I now can't shake the feeling of being taken advantage off and being made a fool, along with our best employee. I don't really want to leave this job, but I also know it will not end well if I act like nothing is wrong. Even though I was not very dissatisfied with my salary, I always strive for more by working hard, developing myself through the years and proving my worth. At this point I'm also far from easily replaceable. So this gives a very bad taste in my mouth. Especially because he knows what he is doing by suddenly blocking my access to payroll. Mixing family with business is by far the worst decision I've ever seen him make, but I don't know what I can or should do about it.