Pay Rise

mise_me_fein

Hi All

Just wondering if companies have to give a pay rise to it's employees on a yearly basis? I work for IBM and I haven't got my raise that I thought I was supposed to get under the national partnership agreement.

Technically I'm earning less than I was last year due to inflation.

Should I put the question forward, I mean is it my right or can they just deny it?

Seth Brundle

is there anything in your contract?

eve

I used to work for IBM but only did 7 months as it was a work placement and the issue never arose. Most large companies do have an annual review to ensure that the wages are fair and that inflation does not disadvantage you. The review process where I work now adds about 6-7% on average. Have you asked anyone else working there? How long have you been there-is it pssible you just missed the last one or started too close to it to be included?

ixoy

Many companies are not signed up to the National Pay Agreement, despite how it might come across in the papers. It's particularly common in IT, such as IBM where big multinationals have their pay increases dictated by offices abroad.

As a result, your pay increases can vary and you're not automatically entitled to one unless your contract says so. If it says anything, I imagine it's that pay reviews happen at set periods of the year and that nothing is guaranteed.

If it's particularly poor, and irritating when you see people get rises elsewhere, you might need to vote with your P45.

mise_me_fein

What do you mean vote with my P45?

I've been employed since April 1 2006. In my contract it states that I am eligible for a pay review yearly, though not in 2006.

ixoy

mise_me_fein wrote:

What do you mean vote with my P45?

As in get your P45 - leave. 'Twasn't too serious.

I've been employed since April 1 2006. In my contract it states that I am eligible for a pay review yearly, though not in 2006.

OK then I began my current job in July 2005 and, like you, wasn't eligible for a rise until 2006. It was September 2006 though because that's when all pay rises are done. Like yours it's a large company, so they need to coordinate efforts often at a global level - it won't be a year to the day when you start, but when it's convenient for the company.

Ask around - I imagine it's something most people will be aware of. I wouldn't think that you've been singled out or overlooked at all yet.

whippet

mise_me_fein wrote:

What do you mean vote with my P45?

I've been employed since April 1 2006. In my contract it states that I am eligible for a pay review yearly, though not in 2006.

a pay review is exactly that, a review of your pay .. not an automatic entitlement to a pay increase!!

mise_me_fein

Yes I understood that, still haven't got either....anyhow thanks!

Stark

It's quite common for IBM not to give pay increases despite satisfactory performance. Even their top performers get barely above inflation. You're probably going to have to console yourself with the "well at least they're good for the CV" line, and like ixoy says, vote with your P45 when you have the experience you want to move on.