I want to get a raise and I want to see if my coworkers want to ask for a raise as well.
I work for a local nonprofit that employs many people. I’m an instructor of group classes there; my colleagues include other instructors of various disciplines, custodians, administrative professionals, and childcare professionals.
I am underpaid and I know staff at a few levels are also underpaid. I know a few people who have left because of the low wages.
I did try to ask my immediate supervisor for a raise a few months ago; she basically said the wages were set in stone and that it was not up to her. (Not sure how much of that was a lie but I suspect it is at least partially true and that I would have to ask the ED or the board for a raise).
My plan is to convince my colleagues to all ask for a raise simultaneously. I figure we will have a better chance of success if we at least appear to be a united front. I’m going to talk to all of my colleagues one-on-one and just begin by sharing my salary and asking what theirs is and if they are satisfied with that salary. If they seem receptive then I’ll add them to an email list for planning further actions.
So what do you think of my strategy? Do you have any advice on how to make this work?
Thanks for listening.