Memphis Business Daily

What should I do now that I found out my coworkers make more than I do?

Both of my coworkers make more than I do. Our department consist of just us three. The male co worker and I started around the same time. Actually I started 2 months before he did. The female coworker, started more than a year after I did. I actually helped train her and received my registration before she did. The job that I do should be on a higher pay scale than both of them, but we all have the same job title so I wasn't too worried about making more. I went to school for this job and my female coworker received on the job training. Is this discrimination?

Public Comments

1. There's no discrimination here. You made a deal when you were hired just like the others did. The employer is not required to pay all 3 of you the same amount, nor is the employer required to pay you more just because you've been there longer.
2. Depends on the reason they recieved the increase in pay. no offense but maybe they are showing more progress than you. if there isnt a reason after you investigate that means your boss is playing favorites but its hard to prove in the court of law. i would find a new job. good luck.
3. That is very similar to one of my past jobs. I started around the same time as most of the people, but several months before this one girl, but I still got payed less. You should talk to your boss. You don't have to settle with the pay they give you. Ask for a raise and give legitimate and meaningful reasons on why you deserve one. Start out high so that you can work your way down to a reasonable increase. It's not discrimination unless you see certain workers being particularly and suspiciously favored. Good Luck: )
4. If I were in your position, I would find out from Human Resources at the firm, specifically about the legal job description for your position. Then I would research, it can be online and offline to find out what the pay rates are in that industry for that position. I would then find out what is required by the firm you're working for, to determine if the firm is paying more for let's say a Masters Degree vs. a Bachelors Degree. I would find out what specifically my current employer pays more for, and if you already fit the criteria for the pay scale, I would bring it to the attention of the necessary people such as Human Resources Personnel or whomever they refer you to and follow up that way. I have heard of scenarios where employees have gotten their raises usually after having done the research on the industry and determining where their work or qualifications match the criteria in the industry, the employer usually steps up and pays the money that you ask for. I have heard of someone who did the research and all of this and their employer rejected their request/proposal, but that person just prepared her resume and started searching for new employment without telling her employer about it because she did meet the requirements in that industry and did perform at a level where she was able to land another job with a new employer making the amount that she felt that she deserved at that time. You can also speak to legal counsel at your union if you are part of one, and/or legal aid service in your community if hiring an attorney is not in your budget at this time. If you like to research on your own, you can also use your local law library, usually there is free access to a law library somewhere in your community such as at the local level or state level (municipal court house, law schools) and you can also check the bar association website sometimes you can get free tips there. Hope this was helpful to you. To your continued success. PureVu