Am I going to get fired for being upset about my pay?

 

I recently checked my jobs website for job openings and saw that there was an opening for the same position as me but with a higher starting pay. I brought this up to my supervisor asking why a new hire would start off with higher pay. He gave me some answer along the lines of "the starting pay doesn't mean anything." He then started talking about how he didn't get a raise for the first 2 years he worked there. Leaving his office I went back to work unsatisfied and upset.

About 20 minutes after this he comes to my work station and says he emailed his boss, his boss's boss, and HR to set up a meeting with me. Then he handed me $20 and thanked me for the work I do. I did not keep the $20 and returned it to him.

I'm just not sure what to expect from this meeting or what to say there. Any advice would be great. Thank you.

JobAdvisor:

Analyzing the Situation and Preparing for the Meeting

Understanding the Context:

• Pay Disparity: You've identified a pay gap between your current salary and the starting salary for a new hire in the same position.
• Supervisor's Response: Your supervisor's response was evasive, and the offer of $20 suggests a potential attempt to defuse the situation.
• Meeting Request: The sudden request for a meeting with higher-ups indicates the seriousness of the issue.

Potential Outcomes of the Meeting:

• Salary Increase: You may be offered a raise to address the pay disparity.
• Job Reassignment: There might be a discussion about potential career growth or opportunities within the company.
• Termination: While less likely, it's possible that the company might decide to terminate your employment due to the perceived conflict.

Preparing for the Meeting:

1. Gather Evidence: Collect any documentation that supports your claim, such as the job posting, your current pay stub, and any relevant company policies.
2. Stay Calm and Professional: Approach the meeting with a calm and professional demeanor. Avoid raising your voice or becoming emotional.
3. Be Direct and Clear: Clearly state your concerns about the pay disparity and how it affects your motivation and job satisfaction.
4. Focus on Facts: Back up your claims with specific examples and data.
5. Be Open to Negotiation: Be prepared to discuss potential solutions, such as a salary increase or additional benefits.
6. Consider Your Options: If the meeting doesn't yield satisfactory results, be prepared to explore other employment opportunities.

Possible Responses to the Supervisor's Explanation:

• Question the Logic: If the supervisor's explanation about starting pay not being significant doesn't make sense to you, ask for clarification.
• Highlight Your Contributions: Emphasize your value to the company and how your experience and performance warrant fair compensation.
• Request a Review: Ask for a review of your compensation in light of the new hire's starting salary.

Remember: Your goal is to have a respectful and productive conversation about your concerns. By being prepared and professional, you can increase your chances of a positive outcome.