Hello,
I work in a office in a union environment. As a result, salary is determined by years and not by merit, what you contribute, the fact that you know the difference between a computer a water fountain, etc.
Over the last 8 years 4 employees have retired and I've taken their responsibilities. We went from an office of 8 to 4. I am the newest (14 years) of the 4. The others are at top pay scale. The most recent retirement, coupled with other internal conditions, is really making it difficult to continue working here without additional compensation.
Each employee that has retired has earned 40-60K more than me.
I would quit and go elsewhere, but my pay would decrease heavily if I changed jobs at this point.
Any advice on boosting my own morale? How do I continue working here without feeling like a chump?