May I have your opinion please!

padraigor196

My job introduced new work practices, tasks and duties. I fought for extra pay and recognition. All other workers, north side and south side of the city were paid a rate for doing the tasks... and they were upped a grade level. All but one worker got this deal. Me.

I have 42 years service, in that time I have risen up to Grade c. My tasks and duties have changed completely. My pay rate is on par with others who commenced their employment in the same year as me even though their tasks and duties are far below that demanded from me.

People in my group could be classed as 'new' employees, they joined the organisation on a different contract and wage arrangement, they would have been classed as say group A where I was group C (due to service and pay agreements over the years.

I fought for everyone to get a pay increase and job recognition. Managements decision was to give recognition (Dept status and work associated) To bring all workers up to Group C, my level and to pay them at my rate of pay. All workers were happy with this. However, I remained the only one worker who did not get a rise in pay or recognition for the new tasks and duties I carry out.

I did and still do hope to take a case to the WRC/labour court, However this case is not deemed as discrimination because it does not fall within the nine ground for discrimination as set out in the act.

Could I ask your opinion please, What am I missing here. I looks in every way a case of discrimination but it is not, because it is not covered by the act. Do I need to look at some other act within employment law?

I would be grateful for any reply or pointers you may afford me

Jim2007

So everyone is now at the same pay grade, doing the new new work practices, tasks and duties... and your gripe is that you are not getting paid more than them, just because you have been around longer???

padraigor196

No, it's not about being around longer, if you read the post you would see that. My whole work practice has changed. Other workers have been short changed by using me as a benchmark. Nowhere did I say I wanted to be paid more than any other worker. I think it is fair for me to seek this recognition and let that be the benchmark for all to raise to.

Even though I am years there, because of the change, I don't have the title of being a member of the workgroup which means my position is very vulnerable and I could be removed at any time.

Basically management should be saying: we recognise that you have taking on a lot of extra tasks and duties and we recognise that you are not officially part of this workgroup. We will fix it so you are part of the group and are paid accordingly for the extra workload.

Thank you for your comment although it was negative it was appreciated that you took the time to reply.

blanch152

The Industrial Relations Acts provide avenues for workers to have their cases adjudicated on.

https://www.workplacerelations.ie/en/complaints_disputes/making_a_complaint/

padraigor196

Thank you for your reply, it is not about looking for more than any other worker, my working life has never been set out that way, my nature or mindset is in no way in line with that. It's about fairness, after forty two years of service I honestly think it is a wrong way for my employer to treat 'anyone'.

who what when

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121186658#Comment_121186658

In fairness to Jim I read your OP and didn't find it clear exactly what the issue was other than the fact that everyone had their pay increased except you. If its as simple as that then yes it certainly seems unfair. It's there more to this that you haven't mentioned?

Flinty997

Most places will be delighted to get someone who is willing to do extra work, has extra experience but be paid (remuneration whatever) less.

When they hire new people, they can't find anyone who will do that workload with that experience at that price point, so they have to offer more to attract people with less experience and a lesser skillset.

You're only choice is negotiate a better deal for yourself or get a better job. Companies rarely value people until they leave.

Reducing your work to match the new hires only diminishes your status, and won't work.

Oscar_Madison

Your years of service likely puts you top of whatever pay scale you’re on- there’s nowhere else for you to go - likely also you’re retiring soon so if you have a defined benefit scheme you’re probably wanting a leg up in salary to help with your final pension - I’m not sure I’m getting your point though- I could champion colleagues on less than me to get some sort of pay increase- that doesn’t mean I too should get one - unless you specifically called out that you too were underpaid I’m not sure what you’re looking for here?

Very few places will give you a pay rise for just no reason

Flinty997

I think it seems hes in group C and wants to in group A. He might be in one position so long, no one can see him in any other. As such he is pigeon holed. Ageism plays a part also. They'll also take experience and skill set for granted. Until they lose it.

I know quite a few people that just stopped trying to swim uphill, realizing they were putting a lot of extra effort in for diminishing returns. So they just retired early and/or switched to a different job. Where they were seen with fresh eyes and thus new opportunities opened up.