Is a 3% raise fair for an excessive workload and extensive responsibilities?

Question

I work for a non-profit company. I am highly skilled with computers and perform most of the tasks related to inventory managment. I am the person they fall back on to take on special projects because I have a reputation for detail and accurately when fixing problems. I am responsible to submit accurate reports to the federal government and am responsibile for uncountable other taskes due to the place being severly under staffed. I am working on my third year with this company and have received 3% raises 2 years in a row. Nepatism is at its finest here. There are family members who have low responsibilities, but are paid 30% more on the hour. I like the work I do and the mission I strive for, but is there something seriously wrong with this situation?

Answer 1

3% raises only compensate for inflation; they're not rewarding you for your increased responsibility and value to the organization. Non-profits don't usually pay as well as companies, but if they pay their relatives more for doing less, that stinks. I would consider that unethical.

I would advise you to make a list of all your duties, noting all the additional things you've taken on since you started, and list it all for them next time they're giving raises. Nicely explain that you're more valuable than when you were before, and you'd like more than a 3% raise to reflect that.

If they don't go for it, you'll just have to decide whether you want to keep working there. If you like the work and the mission, and your pay is keeping up with inflation, that's better than most jobs. Maybe you can overlook the nepotism; they're not going to stop doing it. Keep your resume up to date as you take on more responsibility, and when it's time to leave you'll be qualified for a higher paying job somewhere else. Stay on good terms with them now so they'll give you a good recommendation.

Answer 2

Heck no -- 3% a year is barely enough to help you keep up with the cost of living. If I were to get promoted today from a full-performance-level worker to a supervisor, my pay would go up $9,000.00 a year, which is roughly a 16% pay raise. You may have difficulty with raises because you work for a non-profit company, but your pay should be commensurate with your responsibilities. Ask for a raise, and if they shoot you down put a good resume together and start looking.

Answer 3

I think you know the answer to this question but need verification. Absolutely, it is unfair. Especially when you say relatives are being paid 30% more. I would look for another job. By the way, I would check my spelling if I were you.

Answer 4

Yes there is ... You need to ask for a raise or start shopping around for new jobs and threaten to quit. You sound like you are well qualified to work anywhere else. Good Luck.

Answer 5

3% is definately too low. Let the company know how you feel, but first start looking to see how much other companies will pay you. Once you have found an interesting company, let your company know how much you will make if you leave, and ask them to match it.