I work at a large scale vehicle service shop as essentially a AGM. Everyone gets along well, we're always busy, we've been very successful in meeting goals and developing our speed and quality the last 9 months I've been at this location (Management gets transferred to other nearby locations all the time).
The majority of the techs have been employed here about 9-12 months, and gotten raises according to time and skill development. Once you complete a certain amount of training you move to the next level and get a raise, it's standardized to keep it fair.
This last week we got a notice from regional corporate to start new hires with morning availability at a higher amount which is great. I've been trying to voice my opinion about doing so for a few months now, especially as we've been struggling to find more openers
So, to avoid paying new employees more than existing, well qualified employees, the GM gave all the morning employees a raise to bring them all to the new starting rate. This can become an issue shortly, as some of our newest employees complete certifications and get raises, and will make more than those who have been here longer, and don't have as much available training-based raises to achieve.
I've been trying to explain to the GM my thoughts on this and the huge issues it can cause soon, and he's said this is the way it is everywhere. I feel awful for my employees who have essentially lost their earned raises they've worked hard for. I'm glad everyone is going to be making more, however I don't think the way it's being done is correct. I believe everyone should've gotten an equal amount raise as well and bumped the starting rate.
Could I get some input on this? Is this truly the way it is? Is there any fairness behind all this?