Getting paid less for same work as colleague

LegacyUser

Hi,

there is an issue that may soon arise in work which i'm not very happy with. But, i was hoping to get other peoples opinions on it before i approach my boss, as im not sure if maybe i'm overreacting

Basically, I am being asked to cover someone's vacation for one week. This person is in a higher role than me and gets paid more. During this week, I will be expected to carry out this persons work while getting paid my regular wages (i.e. - I will be geting paid less for doing the same work as another person who gets paid more to do this work).

I have two issues with this - one being that i dont think its fair i should get paid less and secondly, as im not fully trained for this position, i find it more stressful as it seem to be expected that I should just know how to do it.

As its only a week, do you think I should just put up and shut up in order to appear helpful to my boss, or am I within my rights to refuse to do this unless they want to pay me the going rate for that week.

There are other people who are in the exact same role as in this person who could be asked to cover, but they arent being asked for whatever reason.

Thanks for any advice

statss

Suck it up, show them what you can do, and impress. Your existing attitude will never get you promoted. See this as an opportunity.

BuffyBot

First, I'd check your contract - most of them would have a "any other duties" style clause which would allow management flexibility to assign you to whatever duties are needed as is needed. If you need training to do it, ask for it.

Secondly, to be frank, your approach to this is awful. You should be looking at this as an opportunity, not a chance to crib about how awful your lot is and how you should get more money. Lots of people have to fill in for colleagues/managers etc without a pay rise, just as their role might have to be covered by someone else when they are away.

Eoin

If it was to cover maternity leave and you hadn't much interest in the progressing to that role in the future, then I could sort of understand.

But making a big deal over one week?

tatli_lokma

Are you certain you won't get extra pay or are you just assuming? Check your company policy as some companies give a 'higher duties allowance'.

do you get bonuses or pay reviews each year? If so see this as savings in the bank so that come bonus/review/performance appraisal time you can use it as a negotiating tool.

Don't be too shortsighted by focusing only on immediate monetary gain...this could have more long term benefits if you handle it right

Opticom

Eoin wrote: »

If it was to cover maternity leave and you hadn't much interest in the progressing to that role in the future, then I could sort of understand.

But making a big deal over one week?

Exactly, it's only a week.

If you had to cover for several months it might be different.

You're being asked to check out your reaction, to see how you cope, and to see if you might be worth further consideration for higher level work in the future.

This is not a work problem at all.
You should see this for what it really is : a short opportunity to impress.

Giblet

Do a good job, and bring it up in your review that you are able for it and want a promotion. You don't just get paid for the job you do, but the competency doing it.

intothewest

Have to agree with all above...not sure what industry you are in, but it would be the exception rather than the rule to get a pay increase for covering for a week. It's madness to think that you would, or are entitled to.

Carter P Fly

intothewest wrote: »

Have to agree with all above...not sure what industry you are in, but it would be the exception rather than the rule to get a pay increase for covering for a week. It's madness to think that you would, or are entitled to.

100% agree. If you actually asked this you may as well just leave the company as you would never ever be taken seriously again.

mikemac1

They are giving you a chance OP

If they thought you were useless you would have been considered for this, you'd be stuck in a corner doing menial work while everyone else progressed

You have a chance, give it a go
Only a week, if it was a couple of months you might have a something to be talked about. But not a week