This has been a recent conversation I've been having because my work just gave out their annual pay increases, and it was less than the rate of inflation. When I expressed that I wasn't thrilled about that and that it means things will be tighter and doesn't really feel like a “raise” I got annoyed responses telling me that it isn't the company's job to match inflation and they don't try to etc. But you know what did go up with inflation? The rates we charge clients.
I mentioned my frustrations to a friend who doesn't work at the same company (she works at another large company), and she looked at me like I was crazy. She said her work only gives 2% raises IF they're lucky and I should be very thankful for my raise.
But at the end of the day, I can't help but think it's BS. They are raising prices to keep up with inflation, everything is getting more expensive, why should I have less money in the bank account at the end of the month?
To top it off a member of my team is leaving and I've been told he won't be replaced and I will have to take on the additional work. But that there's no budget to increase my salary… All while my boss is telling me “thank god you aren't leaving! We'd be totally screwed!” and yet… Doesn't seem like you want to incentivize me to stay… lol