[Bjorn]

last raise was 6 yrs ago, 2 % then....since then we actually had had decreases....over the last 3 yrs I have had a 23% decrease from what I made 6 yrs ago....and we are a non union state/company...and I`m glad we are....I`m also fortunate I`m not looking for a job at 67.....would like to retire ,but cannot afford it.....maybe another 3 yrs, as that takes 3 more off the time I would live off whatever I have!

[Formula8]

Originally Posted by Jurassicgto

The Governor doesn't pay you, the taxpayers pay you. And they have all taken paycuts over the last few years and now it's your turn. Feel lucky your not getting a 10% paycut or work hour cut my friend. Not trying to be mean, just a harsh dose of reality.

I don't think it is a reality that everyone in this economy has taken a pay cut. A lot of those who were at least partially responsible have done quite well: http://www.reuters.com/article/2010/...24181420100223

[Don Chapman]

I am a union worker. 07 just under2%, 08 2%, 09 just over 2%. Health insurance paid by employer then. 2010 no raise, took 8 months to get a 3 yr contract. 2011 no raise
2012 thru 2014 works out to about 1 % per year. The health insurance
plan has less coverage and higher deductables and we now pay 10% of the premium this and is to go up 2% more of the premium each year after. insurance is still abargain compared to what others are paying. Been laid off for the 1 st time in my life for the last 9 weeks. Could get called back any day. Some of the state employees here still getting 4%+ raises. If the states and federal govt were a business, It would be out of business long ago. Just so you know I am not a state or federal worker.

[thirtypointer]

Maybe I should have titled this post something different or left out the fact that I am a public employee in a union or not posted at all.

I am not expecting more pay in this economy. I just received my annual social security information that you get before each birthday that made me thin about raises. I noticed my wages have been at a standstill since 2009 and really have not grown much since 2004. There seems to be a misconception about public employee's wages and collective bargaining. In 2009, my employer said they hade no money and wanted us to contribute more benefit wise in order to perhaps eliminate any layoffs, we agreed to it. It just seems everyone I know has not gotten a raise for some time and it appears to be the same here on the "board"

Formula8 nailed it in his post:

"My bigger concern is that we appear to be engaged in a race to the bottom mentality that essentially says, "I'm getting screwed so why shouldn't you" and the net effect is putting all workers against each other for who will work for less compensation while companies are making record profits."


I did not want to offend any wage earner here (nor be offended).

[68lemansman]

Well I think Mine was about 2% last year. Seems like it fluctuates every year but last year things were different cause the union had managed to come in and get a date to vote wheather or not my company was going to be union or not it ended up not being union.

[Formula8]

Originally Posted by Bob Rutledge

Formula8, I am glad to hear your company is making record profits. I believe that is far from the norm for most, as a ton of companies are struggling just to keep the doors open, and a bunch more haven't made the cut and have fallen.

I think that is my point. Smaller business and individuals are feeling the crunch while others have rigged the system to their advantage. Effectively, if you can afford to buy a government, ours is up for sale to the highest bidder. Individuals and smaller businesses need not apply.

[J.D.]

Originally Posted by Jurassicgto

The Governor doesn't pay you, the taxpayers pay you. And they have all taken paycuts over the last few years and now it's your turn. Feel lucky your not getting a 10% paycut or work hour cut my friend. Not trying to be mean, just a harsh dose of reality.

so when are the governors and legislators going to take a pay cut to "share the pain " ???

[68lemansman]

Originally Posted by 68gtoMN

The best way to ensure your future success is to MAKE IT yourself. Make your future. I work for myself as an independent contractor helping companies grow and prosper as a Sr. Project Manager. 2007 - measurable raise. 2008 - measurable raise. 2009 - measurable cut. 2nd half 2010 - modest raise (5%). 2011 - measurable raise.

Jobs or work is not easy. The environment is struggling. Get yourself more skills to allow you to work in other areas. Just because you have done something in the past does not mean you will do it in the future. in 2004 I was employed as Sr. Mgmt at Best Buy HQ. I loved my job and the benefits were great. I went my own way in 2005-2006 and struggled after taking a huge cut. I worked on improving my marketable skills and took an opportunity that paid less than I wanted (still ok), but did so to get started.

Make your own future... Good luck!

X2 I would have to agree. Ive driven a truck for 16 years and worked in all types of weather but long hours and comig home soaken wet or on the road sick. I gave it up and Now am going in a totaly different career direction.

[sleepy]

Originally Posted by J.D.

so when are the governors and legislators going to take a pay cut to "share the pain " ???

The same time ofrauda and the congress do? Maybe unions should stop throwing millions of dollars a year at politicians and put it into the retirement fund for their members.

[Mr_GTO]

Originally Posted by thirtypointer

Is this your rubber stamp attack on me because I am in a union? How original? I have never gotten anything free at work. Anything I have benefit wise (insurance, retirement) is compensation for working. I was only looking for an answer to my raise question.

Compensation for working? Are you serious?

Again, when things go well, people get pay raises. when things aren't going well you get laid off. I know people who took pay cuts to keep their jobs.

If you don't like what you're seeing, get another job.

[Formula8]

Originally Posted by sleepy

The same time ofrauda and the congress do? Maybe unions should stop throwing millions of dollars a year at politicians and put it into the retirement fund for their members.

Thats a drop in the bucket compared to what Wall Street and corporate America has paid the Repubicons. The difference is big business has turned around and has stuck their workers with paying a bigger portion of their retirement as well.

[Mr_GTO]

Originally Posted by Formula8

Thats a drop in the bucket compared to what Wall Street and corporate America has paid the Repubicons. The difference is big business has turned around and has stuck their workers with paying a bigger portion of their retirement as well.

Some companies, mine included, reward us based on how well the company is doing. Company does well...I do well. Company doesn't do well....I don't do as well. novel concept uh?

[Coach]

I went three years without a raise and only a token bonus. This year I got a little over 4% and a real shocker of a bonus. It was nice to see that the momma company realized we have been hitting our goals year after year, even with the crappy economy.

My heart really does go out to all the folks who are not doing as well. My brother got zilch and his wife was laid off. My own wife got the smallest raise every, didn't even cover cost of living.

Times are still hard, but just maybe there is some light down the tunnel.

-H

[Coach]

Originally Posted by Mr_GTO

Some companies, mine included, reward us based on how well the company is doing. Company does well...I do well. Company doesn't do well....I don't do as well. novel concept uh?

I think we should apply that to the government as well! ! !

[GT182]

Well, no COLA raises for the last 3 years for Social Security. And YES.... 3 years including this year. That is a fact. But our Medicare payments sure went up... every year.

I believe the last pay raise I had when working was back in 1991 in our Carhaul contract. Could have been a year or two before 91 but not sure... cause I didn't memorise or write down the date.

[sleepy]

Originally Posted by Formula8

Thats a drop in the bucket compared to what Wall Street and corporate America has paid the Repubicons. The difference is big business has turned around and has stuck their workers with paying a bigger portion of their retirement as well.

Not just republicans, democrats too. Political contributions should be illegal as all they are is a bribe. What makes you think a politician you bought off won't go the opposite direction if someone comes up with more money than you bribed them with?

[Old Bird]

Sleepy will proubly hate me as I'm a Union worker. It was that way before I started and I'm glad it is still that way or some boss might have had a cousin who needed a job. We all work hard at my job and the Company makes a good profit. My contract is a mutual agrement between two parties for a lenght of time. After that time they bargin again. Seems like a good way to do things to me. Next time you sign a contract think of how you would feel if the other party changed it before it was up. The rate things are going we will all be part time, no benifit workers for Wally World. Be hard to have a hobby like cars with a life like that.

[Bjorn]

Originally Posted by Mr_GTO

Some companies, mine included, reward us based on how well the company is doing. Company does well...I do well. Company doesn't do well....I don't do as well. novel concept uh?

pretty typical how it works here too....and IMO the way it should work....why should the workers get raises when the co does bad? If they do, that co is soon out of business, something Unions dont either understand or dont care about.

[Bjorn]

Originally Posted by Old Bird

Sleepy will proubly hate me as I'm a Union worker. It was that way before I started and I'm glad it is still that way or some boss might have had a cousin who needed a job. We all work hard at my job and the Company makes a good profit. My contract is a mutual agrement between two parties for a lenght of time. After that time they bargin again. Seems like a good way to do things to me. Next time you sign a contract think of how you would feel if the other party changed it before it was up. The rate things are going we will all be part time, no benifit workers for Wally World. Be hard to have a hobby like cars with a life like that.

more important...how would you feel bing the employer and 'times change" , = economic downturn LONG before you can renego the contract...personally I prefer a handshake/verbal contract.....which ARE binding in Texas. but you should be able to be flexible with the 'times'.

[thirtypointer]

Originally Posted by Mr_GTO

Compensation for working? Are you serious?

Again, when things go well, people get pay raises. when things aren't going well you get laid off. I know people who took pay cuts to keep their jobs.

If you don't like what you're seeing, get another job.

I consider my benefits part of my overall compensation. Don't you? My employer gives me a report each year indicating my wages and benefits (insurance, vacation, etc) figured into a combined hourly average wage virtual in nature. That is what I am referring to as "compensation for working". It is earned.