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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

To think I should be paid more than the cleaner?

133 replies

orangeredpink · 12/07/2017 00:26

I really dislike my current job so my general annoyance may be U because of that and I'm desperate to leave. I started a few months ago after being made redundant, during the interview I said I wanted £xk salary, they offered £xk-10k, this was a 20k drop in my pre-redundancy salary but I figured any job at the time is better than eating my way through my redundancy payment.

So I went to think it over and in the meantime received another offer for £xk-5k, my now employer wouldn't match the salary, they were adamant they need to keep salaries low for the business sake, but it was supposed to be a better role, no commute, more responsibility etc.

Today, the finance director who sits next to me was talking to someone and mentioned the salary for the cleaner, which works out at over £10 an hour more than I get and pretty much double any rates I've ever seen advertised for cleaners. I was pretty much gobsmacked and the more I think about it the more annoyed I'm getting.

I fully accept I made a mistake when choosing the job, and it was severely mis-sold however the salary issue is really bugging me. My business function, 10 years of experience, and spending the last few months increasing their revenue and rectifying stupid mistakes they've made because they hire people with no experience and no idea how to train them because none of the management team have worked in the business function I do, to keep their salary costs down, brings far more value to the company than the cleaner. AIBU to think I should be paid more?!

OP posts:
Bettyspants · 12/07/2017 00:29

What exactly is your job?

Redcliff · 12/07/2017 00:34

Does the cleaner work full time? Do they work unsociable hours? Why didn't you take the other job you were offered?

MrsTerryPratchett · 12/07/2017 00:35

Supply

user1476869312 · 12/07/2017 00:36

Given that cleaners are often more use to a business than many 'executive' or middle management positions, I'm quite impressed to hear of a company that pays cleaning staff a good wage.

Why didn't you take the higher-paying job you were offered though?

missnevermind · 12/07/2017 00:36

If you want to leave any way then tell them. Let them know that the trial period that you have given them is coming to an end and for them to continue having you and your experience working for them it will cost them XXX and list what you have done so far.
You could go as far as giving them a date that you need them to get back to you on and let them know that otherwise you will treat this as your notice period.
You don't sound as though you want or like the job so if they say no it's the push that you need. If they say yes then it's honey to make you stay.

JustHereForThePooStories · 12/07/2017 00:37

Is the cleaner a company employee, or paid via an agency?

bridgetreilly · 12/07/2017 00:37

Sure, but there's not much you can do about it. Look for other jobs with better salaries and move on.

orangeredpink · 12/07/2017 00:42

Digital Product Manager

I took this one as when the job descriptions were compared this had more opportunities for career growth, responsibility, bonuses, and a more interesting product - none of that has materialised and I've since found out they don't understand what I was expecting to be doing as they just copied and pasted a job description they found off the internet without any real concern over how it would actually fit their business.

Not unsociable hours, she's there in the morning when I am, she doesn't work full time so I know overall they are paying me more as I'm there more. Its just a bit galling that full time the hourly rate equates to £20k more.

OP posts:
GreatFuckability · 12/07/2017 00:56

No, i don't think you should be paid more. its about time someone recognised that cleaning staff who are good at their jobs quite literally keep a business running.

orangeredpink · 12/07/2017 00:58

They wouldn't increase my salary if I gave that as my reason for wanting to leave, despite the fact they've said everything I've done so far has been "invaluable" (eyeroll), they'd just bring up the potential bonuses, after a years service and then go back to hiring recent grads with no experience they can get for another £10k lower.

OP posts:
wobytide · 12/07/2017 01:02

What are you like at cleaning?

Elkalv · 12/07/2017 01:37

Get another offer then you can come back and see what they have to offer. It's mark to market and unfortunately quite few companies have this approach to stuff that they pay as low as they can unless you show them you worth more. But be prepared to leave if they don't match your offer as it would be just stupid and you will never be taken seriously

Hekabe · 12/07/2017 02:04

Are the cleaners on a salary? Or are they self employed/a company?

In which case they will have overheads etc to account for. Just a thought.

MeanAger · 12/07/2017 02:14

The pay reflects the employee's value to the company. They obviiusky value their cleaner very highly. Perhaps you could apply for the next cleaning vacancy.

ImperialBlether · 12/07/2017 02:16

I thought cleaners were paid between about £8 and £15 per hour. How much are these cleaners earning that makes it £20K pa more than you?

LeggyLinda · 12/07/2017 02:18

Cleaners do a great job and should earn a decent wage.
It is a shame that you feel undervalued because of this and you may have a point (I really don't understand your job or business).

Do remember that you are basing your dissatisfaction with your salary on one overheard conversation. It is never a good idea to compare salaries with colleagues (most places I have worked it is actually forbidden). It could be that the finance director is wrong, you misheard or anything. Don't let it affect you or your work - or at least look at teying to get an offer or something else lined up first (or research into what others are paying for yor role).

It is not clear from your original post if the cleaner is a permanent employee of ypur company or hired through an agency - this would definitely make a difference. If self employed or employed through another company/agency then it is unlikely the cleaner will be receiving anywhere near what your director mentioned they are paying for him/her.

MeanAger · 12/07/2017 02:19

The cleaner is getting £10/hour more than OP, not £20k.

MeanAger · 12/07/2017 02:20

Apologies, I see now where she has said £20k more.

ImperialBlether · 12/07/2017 02:33
Grin
Want2bSupermum · 12/07/2017 03:37

You need to keep looking for a new job. They don't value you.

I'm someone who refuses to have a cleaner because of the rates they charge. I'm not paying $20+ an hour for cleaning when childcare is $15 an hour or less. I live in a very high density area so none of the cost of running a car and they never bring their own cleaning products. Most cleaners are making $200 a day. That is $1000 a week without tips. The majority don't declare this money as income.

Don't get me wrong, these ladies are well paid and I don't begrudge them of that. I clean my own home and it looks just as good and I do it in the same time. I just don't understand when a family pays their cleaner more than the person looking after their DC.

BadLad · 12/07/2017 03:59

I read the thread title and was hoping you had used the word "lowly" to describe the cleaners, so I could enjoy the replies beating you up for it.

Disappointed.

HollyBollyBooBoo · 12/07/2017 04:14

The cleaner is on £20k more? So not £20k total but a salary of £x plus £20k...I need to change jobs!!

counterpoint · 12/07/2017 04:15

If the cleaner is paid an hourly rate for just a few hours per day, you have to consider that she might be on a zero hour contract and receives no holiday or sickness pay nor any other work-related perks.

Cavender · 12/07/2017 04:32

Either put together a presentation explaining why you should be paid more or put together a kick ass CV and find another job.

Or both.

Don't sit and moan - take action.

IAmNotAWitch · 12/07/2017 04:40

I have occasionally paid my cleaner more than I make per hour (it was still worth it).

The cleaner's salary is irrelevant here.

Do you feel that YOU are getting paid enough for your job and can you get more elsewhere?

If the answer are No and Yes, then you need to either request a payrise or look for a new job (or both).

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