Little back story. The company I work for is a brand new production company in a new industry (cannabis). I was hired right at the beginning nearly 3 years ago. In that time I've seen us go from no orders to too many to handle. I've been promoted twice (entry level, to lead, to a cushy desk job). Now I am aware that comparatively we offer higher wages with our entry level starting at $19 an hour. While I was in that position I worked more overtime then anyone else in the company, I helped build structure and my current position. I put a lot of work into this seeing the future goals and being excited to find a career.
When I accepted my current role I was hoping for $27/hour but would settle at $25. I was offered $24 I made it known I thought this was low but it was retorted with “the company is still growing and adding new positions, you will be offered a raise soon, this is a new position and we aren't totally aware of the logistics”. I thought this was all bullshit but they were right my position was still gaining traction and adding new duties to my job scope so I thought giving it some time to settle and see my full value would help me in the long run negotiate for a higher pay.
It's been a year and a half in my position now. I have settled a bit on the new job duties although they are subject to change soon because of a new system it won't change my responsibility to the job. Here's the problem: during this long wait I have gotten pregnant, I will be leaving on mat leave in about 2 months. I have asked repeatedly to train someone for my position to no avail. They recognize they need someone but haven't filled the position yet, which makes me very worried for the team that works below me, they are in a fragile and high pressured state and I'm afraid they will begin to leave without the full support of someone in my position (which has a lot of fine details). I was FINALLY offered a raise, the company rolled out a compensation pay scale. Mine? .46 cents.
I feel a tremendous amount of anger and disbelief. Not only did I accept the position below the salary asking (industry standard) but I held out waiting for a raise I thought would be at least $2. I am beside myself. I work nearly every day, granted my weekends off I will only work a few hours (3-6) but everyday I work. I am available to my team all working hours. My job relies heavily on other people to complete their tasks and when they aren't done on time I will suffer and work OT to ensure the trickle effect stops at me and the team doesn't have to feel that stress. I feel very undervalued and I don't even know how to respond to this. I'm on mat leave soon and I'm afraid it will not be taken seriously. I'm contemplating going on mat leave now, or just quitting. I love my job, I love the people I work with.
How do I negotiate a higher pay with out accepting their BS again?