a question about work ethics?

Question

to make a long story a little shorter. i've worked at a company for 2+ years and the "new girl" has been there 7 months. from the first she has been shown favoritism that i cannot figure out ..but she is lazy and tells the bosses what to do and what she will and will not do..and they accept it!
anyhow, today an issue came up where she called our personel manager about her 6 mo. raise (she hadn't received it yet) and was told that it was an oversight but not to mention it to any of us coworkers (i have no idea why)?
but she turned around and told us anyway! i couldn't have cared less except that someone mentioned a $25/week raise at 6 months - and i had never received that!
i said i want to call the personel manager too and everyone "jumped" on me because it would get "poor" miss princess in trouble for telling us what she swore not to do.
now i'm afraid i might get written up for insubordination .yet should i have to accept making less money when i work ten times as hard ?

Answer 1

OK, let's sort out a few things:

1) Insubordination is refusing a direct order from the boss (assuming the boss's request is work-related and not illegal or unethical.) For example, refusing to complete a report that the boss has requested could be insubordination.

2) Miss P. is a dope for not keeping her mouth shut. Since she has seen fit to spill to magic beans, you can use that information as you see fit. Let's explore some potential options:

a) say nothing. Miss P. keeps her increase and her prestige, and everyone else remains underpaid and unhappy.
b) ask the boss when you will be receiving your 6-month review since you understand that Miss P. received one. Miss P. looks like a bigmouth; you may or may not be viewed by the boss as a complainer depending on how you play this one.
c) approach the personnel manager and ask what the pay rate is for your position. Inform this person that you understand that not everyone is being paid an equivalent amount for the same job. Ask what the plan is to address this inequity. The PM will have to explain why ther eis an inequity to being with; you haven't targeted Miss P. as the source (for all you know, other coworkers may be making more than you, too), and you don't look like a snitch to the boss.

You best know these people, their personalities, and how things play out in your company. I'd probably vote for c or b, myself, but that is probably my personal prejudice against lazy people with big mouths. :)

Answer 2

By calling the personnel manager and reporting your coworker, she may get in trouble (maybe not if she is really being shown favoritism), but if you try to use what you know to get a raise, you are just as likely to get in trouble for bringing up someone else's pay. Instead, start by making a list of why you deserve a raise based solely on the work you do. If personnel won't give the raise, then you can bring up the fact that the other girl was blabbing about how much she makes, let them know that it is bringing moral in the whole department down, and then step back and watch.

Answer 3

First of all, what does the employee handbook state about employees talking about pay? Most employers do not like for employees to communicate among other employees the rate of pay and raises because it brings conflict and confusion within the workplace. For example, Ms. Princess should have never mentioned how much compensation she received, and secondly, when mentioned it should not leave the area, and last but not least if you feel its worth mentioning to the boss, I would mention it, but perhaps find another way to bring up the conversation without mentioning Ms. Princess name or mentioning her compensation because if you do that the boss will know where the information came from. Remember the source that leaked the information, was told not to mention the information, so if you play your cards properly the boss may never know where to find the source or he or she will have to play detective and figure to whom to direct the questions. Thought for the future, when someone is told not to mention something and tells you to keep a secret always remember that a silent tongue carries a head full of wisdom, there is more than one way to make a person look like a fool and a dummy so don't make yourself appear or seem jealous. Good Luck!

Answer 4

Work isn't about friendship but you don't want a rep as a troublemaker either. Ask the personnel manager about the guidelines for salary reviews. You can do that without "ratting" anyone out. If they are the least bit fair or aware of the law that should clear it up. If they deny you ask for written details on the policy and what you'd have to do to qualify. But bringing the favorite daughter into this only makes you look petty. If it means that much to you, once you have a written guideline and you think this is discriminatory go to the employment security commission. Or find another job while you can still leave with a good reference.

Answer 5

Stop working so hard. I don't see any insubordination in your actions as described. The reason that employees are requested not to share pay rates and increases is that that information will always breed ill will and someone will always be unhappy. Seriously, though: work less hard.

Answer 6

Wait a few days and then go to personnel dept and tell them you believe you missed the raise you should have got..

Answer 7

2 weeks notice

Answer 8

Wow-I hope things get better. And, yes do report "princess"-she deserves it. She has no integrity-she was told to keep her mouth shut and she didn't.Please report her but keep your mouth shut to yourco-workers.

Answer 9

that is like a report on how to do your job like you are supposed to be taught at school