Address Pay Discrepancy/Discrimination or Seek Fairer Employment

Published on 06/01/2025Hiring & Talent Acquisition Insights

Previous Analysis Result: The user was brought on at $17 an hour with the expectation of a bump to $20 after training, which is what everyone else in the company gets. The boss has turned down requests for the raise. The user is also the only woman in the company. This situation suggests a broken promise and possible gender-based pay discrimination. The best move is to formally address this issue, possibly involving HR if available, to get the promised and fair pay. If that doesn't work out, looking for a job with a company that offers fair compensation and keeps its promises is the next step. Expected benefit: An immediate raise to $20 an hour (a $3 increase, roughly $6,240 a year pre-tax), or a new job at or above this rate.

Current Analysis based on "1l0d99v":

Hot Skills, Tools, and Qualifications Identified:

  • Specialized skills for a "niche job" in a competitive industry.
  • Quick learning ability (shown by completing training faster than usual).
  • Proven competence in the role for several months.
  • The standard qualifications that justify a $20/hour rate for all other colleagues in the same role post-training.

Screening for Better Work Opportunities: The current situation involves a clear breach of a verbal agreement for a raise to $20 an hour post-training, a rate that all other male colleagues receive. The user is the only female and the only one not getting this standard rate, raising serious concerns about potential gender-based pay discrimination.

Possible Work Opportunities & Resume/Job Application Directions:

  1. Internal Resolution (Primary Recommended Action):

    • Opportunity: Secure the promised and equitable pay of $20 an hour. Address potential discrimination.
    • Action:
      • Formally and assertively request a meeting with the boss to discuss the unfulfilled promise of a raise to $20 an hour.
      • Clearly state that all other employees in similar roles received this raise immediately upon completion of their training.
      • Highlight her successful completion of training (ahead of schedule) and satisfactory performance for several months.
      • If the boss remains dismissive, especially given she is the only female employee not receiving the standard rate, she should escalate the issue to Human Resources (if available) or a higher managerial level. Frame this as both a breach of the employment agreement and a potential pay discrimination issue. Document all communications and the company's responses.
  2. External Job Search (Concurrent Recommended Action):

    • Opportunity: Find a new employer that honors commitments, offers fair and equitable pay, and potentially a better work environment.
    • Resume/Application Focus:
      • Emphasize skills relevant to the "niche job" and "competitive industry."
      • Highlight the "rapid learner" trait by mentioning early completion of training.
      • Showcase proficiency and experience gained in the role post-training.
      • Target companies within the same industry or related fields that value specialized skills and have transparent compensation practices.
    • Rationale: Despite the user's concern about finding another job in a niche, competitive industry, these very factors can make her specialized skills valuable to other employers.

Expected Benefits:

  • From Internal Resolution:

    • An immediate increase in pay from $17 an hour to $20 an hour. This is a $3 an hour increase, translating to approximately an additional $6,240 per year (pre-tax, based on a 40-hour week).
    • Rectification of unfair treatment and potential discrimination.
    • Reinstatement of trust if the issue is resolved satisfactorily.
  • From External Job Search:

    • A new position likely at or above the $20 an hour rate, with an employer that values its employees fairly and honors agreements.
    • Potentially a more inclusive and respectful work environment.
    • Opportunity for further career growth.

The user has a strong case for the raise based on company precedent and the initial agreement. The added dimension of being the only female and the only one paid less for the same post-training role warrants firm action and, if necessary, exploration of external opportunities.

Origin Reddit Post

r/careerguidance

Should I press getting a raise I was promised?

Posted by u/Serious_Function_27506/01/2025
I was hired over 6 months ago at 17 an hour with a promise of 20 an hour after I was out of training. I have asked my boss about it and he’s blown me off once already. Everyone else in the co

Top Comments

u/Serious_Function_275
I work a very niche job that’s in a very competitive industry it would be very hard to find another job in this industry
u/Serious_Function_275
Thank you for responding!
u/Serious_Function_275
I’m also the only female in the company as well so I’m feeling a bit of discrimination with my pay
u/CosmoKing2
If it's so niche, you have rare qualifications........and it can't be hard to find the same job in an industry that is so competitive. Those idea's don't mesh. Start looking. Once you have
u/ReadyAd5385
Fight for what you were promised!
u/Legitimate-Log-6542
When he’s blowing you off he should at least have some sort of an answer. I would definitely bring it up again, it’s in his best interest to make sure you’re happy with your pay. Ask if there
u/NMarzella282
You should have never believed what he promised you. Unless your upper management already making 6 figure $3 an hour raise after 30days if an outright lie. Move on from the place telling them
u/Serious_Function_275
That’s what’s weird everyone else makes 20 an hour but me and they all started at 17
u/Serious_Function_275
I also finished training faster than normal as well I’ve been out of training for months now
u/JamesBong517
3/hr raise in an 80 hour paycheck is a difference of 240$. What’s that worth?
u/Serious_Function_275
Thank you that’s how I feel as well
u/AccountantDirect9470
.. he blew you off… he knows. Asking another co-worker what they think may be better. If you don’t plan on leaving, pressing does nothing. Asking about it again gently to see if you’re
u/Dear_Ad_4966
Unless it’s in writing it’s just a bad boss. It happens all the time with bad managers. Why wouldn’t they just hire you at $20/hour if your training period is the easiest time to fire someone
u/LionFyre13G
My honest opinion is that you shouldn’t have waited so long. You should have continued to press the issue when it happened. Now it’s not a matter of fixing your pay but giving you a raise. My
u/Serious_Function_275
As soon as they were out of training they were bumped up to 20
u/Harry_Gorilla
$6240/yr
u/NewBlazrApp
Absolutely!
u/Regular-Humor-9128
For both of these reasons, very politely but this should be brought up. If you are THE ONLY ONE not making the same pay and you’re the only female. If it’s a right to work state you have to b
u/Serious_Function_275
Yeah it really adds up to a lot of
u/GratefulDancer
How long did it take for them to get to 20?

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