I've worked at the deli in one of our local grocery stores for 3 years now. My hire in pay 3 years ago was $6.60 per hour. After my first year I was given a 20 cent raise. Then at my second year raise I was given 50 cents. That brought me up to $7.30 per hour.
The place I work has a hard time keeping employees. Most of the people are too involved in their social lives to come to work and call in a lot and lose their jobs or end up quitting. I've only been their 3 years and already have senority over every one except 5 people and 3 of them are managment. There are 10 people under me. In the last year I have gained a lot more responsibilities, and duties. My main job is to wait on customers and slice the meat or cheese that they want or cup up the salad that they want, weight it, label it, and go on to the next customer. Easy.
Well, I am also the only person besides the 2 cake decoraters that we have that can do cakes. I fill in for them when they need off or go on vacation. If someone wants a cake at night when the cake decorators are gone then I do the cake for them.
If a customer wants something wrote on their cake EVERY employee in that place comes to find me to do it.
When you come in for your shift there is always a "list" of things that need to be done that night. When I come in to work there is always a seperate "list" for me with my name written on the top. A special list for just me. That list usually includes..brownies
cookies
cheese cakes
cream cakes
turnovers
eclairs
cupcakes
cakes

NOBODY else has to do these things! These are duties of our baker. NOT deli personel. But since they know that I CAN do these things I get left doing them often.
The other list usually only has one or two things on it and sometimes nothing. I always have more to do.
I also do the training of the new hires.
OK, I got my 3 year raise yesterday. I only got 20 cents! I was not happy. I went to the main store manager and told him that I was worth more than that. I told him that I have more duties and I work harder than 95% of the workers back in the deli. He said that he would talk to my manager about it and see what he can do.
Okay.....what should I do if the raise does'nt happen? Should I persist...should I slack off and stop doing so much?
I told my manager that I would like to become full time and even an assitant management position in the future.
I love my job, I'm good at my job, I want acknowlegded that I do a good job, and I sure don't get that. I think a better raise is'nt too much to ask.
Wish me luck
I should find something out within the week .

By Katiesmommy on Friday, February 25, 2005 - 10:38 am:

I sure hope you get your much deserved raise AND a promotion to Deli Manager or something! My dh is going through the same thing at his job..he is THE MOST underpaid person in management they have and he is not one to go and ask for what he is worth..so...
I do hope they see what an asset you are and reward you accordingly.

By Emily7 on Friday, February 25, 2005 - 12:33 pm:

Good luck, I hope you get it.

By Boxzgrl on Friday, February 25, 2005 - 12:47 pm:

Good Luck!

My first job was working at a pet store when I was 16 and by time I was 17 I was in charge of all the animals (lead kennel technician), giving all the medications and vaccines and making sure everybody did their job. I even fired a girl on the spot for what I considered animal abuse and even though that specific thing wasnt my job (so to speak) I received good praise from my boss. I had worked there a little over 2 years but only a .40 raise and by time min. wage went up I was only making .15 more than my co-workers. I demanded a raise from my boss and when the owner declined it I put in my 2 weeks notice and was starting at the vets office for .70 more than the pet store and within 2 months I got a $2 raise. My vet and owner has always liked my work since he saw me frequently at the pet store. But the point of my story is that sometimes change is good. My boss at the pet store offered to pay me the same as the vets office because he didnt want me leaving but I knew a pet store can only pay so much and I knew I had the chance for advancement at the vet office. Maybe you should look around for something that may pay more. It seems to me the company maybe just cant afford great raises (then again, maybe they are just cheap. Who knows?).

Now that i'm finished rambling.... Good Luck and let us know how it goes!

By Breann on Friday, February 25, 2005 - 02:22 pm:

Good luck! Sounds like you deserve the raise.