Co worker paid more than me

[croyde]

Been at my company 3 years now and have raised the issue with my manager 1.5 years ago and many times since.

Had an email from him yesterday saying that he'd been in touch with HR and management and nothing is going to be done about it.

Co worker is female, I only say that for if it was the other way round there'd be an outcry, far younger, far less experienced, in fact I quite often have to correct what she has done and everyone treats me as the senior and comes to me for advice or if a new project has to be started.

I usually get in early, work through breaks to get things done and am not the first out the door at the end of the day.

My co worker is more worried about missing boxercise or drinks with mates.

So, I feel like walking but very risky in the current climate, I'm 60 this year as well.

What avenues can I now explore?

Thanks for any help, cheers.

[croyde]

Mr Pointy said:

Recognise how little the company values you & stop being taken for granted. Take your breaks, don't correct her work, get in just before your start time & leave on time at the end. Do what you are contracted to do but don't put yourself out - when people come to you at the start of a project start directing them to her.

Basically don't be a willing doormat.

My thoughts exactly.

Not a doormat so much, just proud of my work.

Was freelance for 30 years so still have the mindset of 'You are only as good as your last job' thus sloppy work meant no one booking you than starve.

[croyde]

fat80b said:

On the face of it, it sounds bad.

But what’s the role ? Are you definitely both doing the “same” job?

Exactly, we are on opposite shifts.

[croyde]

Eric Mc said:

Leave.

That's the modern way. Equal pay for equal work has not applied in the UK workplace for decades. You fight your case individually. If it has no effect, seek employment elsewhere.

Yes Eric, very tempted, especially on a sunny day such as today. Not looking forward to time spent in a dark, very chilly room.

To the above poster, we started at the same time, when the company started, and even my boss agrees that I'm the far more experienced and better worker, hence he makes sure that any new projects coincide with my shift pattern.

Like I say, I might start making use of the sick pay.

[croyde]

The Rotrex Kid said:

How much more are we talking?

£3000 a year

[croyde]

Thanks. No I wouldn't be so daft as tempting as having today off with the high temps due is...

My paddle board is ready and weekdays are quiet

Getting ready for the commute now

[croyde]

skinnyman said:

If you're 60 I'm guessing your climbing the ladder/job progression days are over, so I'd just cut back. Cut back on the work, effect, F's you give, and let the other person earn their extra salary.

Good point.

I can look at the job as a pension and somewhere to go to stop me splashing cash (especially as I won't get much pension when/if I retire)

I freelance on the side as well from time to time, just jobs I like and it helps with the rent.

I posted as I thought that the disparity was a big no no these days and that there'd be something I could quote to HR and my manager.

Cheers everyone, lots of bits of food for thought.

[croyde]

Sheetmaself said:

Why do you think you deserve better pay just because someone else is on more?

Find your own value, show this to your manager adn see if he agrees or not. Dependant on his reaction you know where you stand with your performance.

He agrees with me wholeheartedly, it's just the buck stops with management. No one has had a yearly payrise since the company started 3 years ago (foreign owned)

I'm not sure why some posters are jumping in to be derogatory, I'm just asking advise but I keep forgetting that PH is very different these days.

So there seems to be no precedents for being paid less than my less experienced co worker despite my superior talent and the fact that everyone comes to me when there's a problem or a new project to be sorted.

The looks of disappointment on their faces if the new project is when I'm away are something to behold.

So no easy answers, just was wondering and as I said further up, thanks all for your inputs.

Cheers everyone.

[croyde]

TR4man said:

Is there any possibility that the company won’t increase your salary to match your colleague because they actually want you leave?

Despite my manager's regret, I think you are correct.

A change in working hours had people leaving in droves before Christmas and no one was replaced.

Remainers do more.

[croyde]

OP here. Thanks for the above post and all the others.

Currently on a two week holiday where I'm on a freelance job working with better, more professional people and earning two months money in a fortnight.

Time to jump into the self employed pool full time yet again? Possibly?

Or just enjoy the fact that my experience allows me to take working holidays and use the company job as a safety net?

Decisions.

The company job did save my financial ass during Covid, but now freelance offers are picking up.

Cheers all.