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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

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Original poster

to think I've done something really daft?

40 replies

Dolcegusto · 01/05/2011 15:34

Long story short, had review at work. They offered me a payrise, I told them I wanted more as the woman doing the job before me earned even more, even though I've expanded the role and do alot more. They were pretty shocked and said they'd think about it.

Am I being really greedy? The payrise they offered was pretty substantial (10%) and I wouldn't have asked if I didn't really need the money too but I'm thinking they may just think I'm money grabbing, and not worth the extra money.

Opinions anyone?

OP posts:

SmethwickBelle · 01/05/2011 20:25

OK thinking about it there may be industries that continue to offer bonuses to attract staff or whatever even if they're struggling - I just haven't ever worked in such a company, the bonuses have always been the first thing to go...

wotnochocs · 01/05/2011 20:26

NO Yanbu -you have to start negotiations higher than you expect to get!

Hassled · 01/05/2011 20:29

If the company is doing well then fair enough. I'm a bit wobbly about you using your payroll knowledge to quote what your predecessor earned though - can't quite put my finger on why.

Anyhow, it's done, you've said it - you'll just have to keep everything crossed. Worst case scenario is that they say no, and you'll still get your 10% which is way better than a poke in the eye.

ilovepancakes · 01/05/2011 20:30

if you don't ask you don't get! it was worth a try IMO! good for you! i wouldn't have had the nerve

Kirk1 · 01/05/2011 20:36

I don't think salaries are covered by data protection - I even think it's perfectly legal to ask what a collegue earns. The main reason we don't in the UK is because culturally talking about earnings is considered vulgar. In the US it's considered natural to know exactly what someone doing a similar job to yours is earning and to act on that knowledge when negotiating pay. It may be worth taking something from the US culture here

HHLimbo · 01/05/2011 21:07

Well done OP, let us know how it turns out!

Original poster

Dolcegusto · 01/05/2011 21:35

With regards to looking up my predecessors salary, I'm not quite as nosy as I seem, when we were doing a handover we went processed the payroll together so I could see how they liked it done so obviously saw her salary.

I don't think the bosses are too bothered about that part of it as I write their dividend cheques so know exactly how much they
make too!

Does anyone know if I've got it right regarding comparitive pay? Have googled but can't find anything

OP posts:

ReindeerBollocks · 01/05/2011 21:40

I don't know about comparative pay - the industry I've always worked in, doesn't discuss salaries as it's normally discouraged by bosses.

However, I think you did exactly the right thing. It is relevant that your predecessor earnt more than you, despite the fact that you are doing the same job - and have made improvements within the role.

I hope you get what you asked for :)

TheSkiingGardener · 01/05/2011 22:06

Good on you. You had a valid point and sound like you made it well. I hope they recognise your value.

I'm a bit confused about someone saying it's normal in the US to compare salaries though. DH works for a big American company and it is a disciplinary offence to tell anyone in the company what you earn.

slhilly · 01/05/2011 22:56

I think you're in a pretty strong position. I've got to ask, why on earth did they think it was ok in the first place for you to do the same job as your predecessor but on less money??

springbokdoc · 01/05/2011 23:35

Good for you - apparently this is one of the (many) factors as to why women still earn less than men. We are apparently more likely to sympathise with a company's position and our colleagues so not push for bonuses/pay rise. Ages ago I read an article on the starting salaries for women and men in (I think) city firms. For equivalent experience, women will on average negotiate for a lower starting salary than men - we don't want to seem unreasonable whereas men will pitch high.

They can but say no or come to a halfway point. But they know that you are serious and that they should value the work you do.

ScarletOHaHa · 02/05/2011 08:53

As your predecessor is aware your know of her salary, then you have a valid reason and permission for knowing it. IMHO having access to information does not mean you should be able to view/use it. If you don't need to access data to do your job you should not be looking at it.

If you are doing your job fully and well, you should be paid the same as the person you took over from. If you do over and above this you should be paid more. I think you should set a clear plan with your manager to move incrementally towards your goal. If you do x project by y date you get a 5% pay rise. Good luck.

tryingtoimprove · 02/05/2011 09:05

I used to work in finance - and it was a Gross Misconduct offence resulting in instant dismissal, if we were found to have discussed our salaries exact amounts, our gradings were known by all.

Sn0wflake · 02/05/2011 11:18

Don't have a problem with you asking for more money but I am not sure you should be using your access to the company financial information for your own gain. Where I work that would get you fired - government department.

vmcd28 · 03/05/2011 13:21

Re comparative salaries, I don't know the legal position on this but it seems unlikely that an employer must pay the same as your predecessor. Often someone less qualified/experienced replaces someone who leaves a job, so why should the employer pay the same? Similarly in a job where loads of people do exactly the same job, it is unlikely that they will all receive the same salary

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