Apr
i was due for a raise this month because we’re going through nursing home budget cuts.. when i started a few months ago i was promised $10 to start and a $1 raise after 90 days.. well they actually started me at $9 and told me that they would give me a $2 raise after the 90 days. but we got hit with budget cuts and i really cant afford the pay cut… i dont know what to do… . i actually have a paper they gave me with my raise and pay information.. do you think its worth taking to the labor board? or should i just begin looking for another job…my benifits are really good here but i cant afford to only make $9 and hr with gas prices getting so high…. what would you do..any advice would be great….
Answer:
I worked in Human Resources at a nursing home for 8 years, so hopefully, you'll find my advice helpful.
First, don’t go directly to your state's labor board/ Not yet. They won't be able to do much for you at this point and you'll create anymosity with your employer. I'm not saying you might not have to consult them eventually, it's just not a place to begin. The most important thing is getting what you want and need. Sometimes the best way to get what you want from your employer is to present yourself as a team player.
Of course your problem is easily solved if you’re in a union. You go directly to your union delegate and they will sort out the problem with the employer. You'll your raise.
However, the fact that you're looking for help here, makes me suspect that you're not a union member. In that case, what you should do is make an appointment with the director of Human Resources. You stated you have a piece of paper indicationg your pay and raise info. Bring a copy of that with you. Don't bring your only copy.
Explain to the director that you really enjoy working there and want to stay. Always open with that. Do not discuss any problems other than the pay (people you don't like, crowded parking lot, etc), stay on message. Then ask when you’ll be getting the raise. If he/she starts discussing budgets and stuff. Tell him you understand because you too operate on a budget, then show him the copy of the pay/raise info they gave you. Say that you took the position expecting to be making $11/hr now, that your budget is based on the agreed upon wage. Tell him/her that you would like to know when the nursing home will be honoring their commitment to you.
You should get your raise.
If after this meeting, you do not get your raise, start looking for another job AND contact your state's labor board
Good luck.