I am a woman. I was offered a promotion to manager at my job. They asked me what I wanted to be paid. I said $17/hr. No, they can’t do that, only $13/hr non negotiable. At least $15? No, they don’t have the ability to negotiate. Okay, it’s tipped, I respect the owners (this is a coffee shop). Coworker (male) was offered kitchen lead, a step below manager, so I would be managing him. He was also offered $13/hr. He said he won’t take it for anything below $15/hr. So they gave it to him for $15. I also find out that they are paying other baristas (all men) $14 – $15 /hr even though they are technically my employees now, and don’t carry the same responsibilities I do as a manager. So I go back to ask if I can renegotiate for at least $15/hr, stating I know these other employees make more than me and I don’t see how that makes sense as I will be holding more responsibilities and managing them.
They tell me that because I discussed wages with other team members, not only are they rescinding my offer for the promotion, but they are firing me as well, effective immediately. This was sent in an email to me, not even said face to face. They then offered the next candidate, a man, $16/hr for the management position.
Not really an important job to me. I was working it to fund my own business, but I have never felt more disrespected. Is this sexist? It feels so wrong.