Is this discrimination?

[irishpoppy]

Hi all my partner has worked for a firm for about 6 yrs, we are really struggling with debt at the moment so he decided to ask for a raise. He has asked daily now (practically beggin if you ask me)for about 4 months but the boss keeps saying oh im busy, or yes ill sort it, or go up to him sayin ill sort you a raise out, or like in the next few weeks. So obviously its never going to happen. I think pretty much everyone else has had a raise and one lad is even working on his second, not sure if he has it or not as no will talk about what they earn. Im asking this question more though because a guy who started after my partner, not a huge time after but still later recieved one about 7 months ago, he had to wait a month but still got it. My partner is a good worker and is always praised by the boss but he wont stand up for himself. If they are short its always him they ring because they know hell always go in. Also at times they have just changed work hours and hes expected to do it, he says because everyone else does. I told him im sure if they are not his contracted hours he doesnt have to. Like I said to him what annoys me the most is he is practically having to beg for this raise, which has been daily and for like four months. Is this classed as discrimination or is it just at the bosses discretion no matter how long you have been there.

[scampjet]

Hi irishpoppy,
There will be other replies also but for what its worth I will offer you my thoughts on it.

I have been in a similar situation myself so can imagine how he feels.
If he has done his best and has a good record with this job I see no reason why he too should not be rewarded.
I would write a personal letter to the boss outlining that I was feeling undervalued and overlooked. I would also apply for another job so that a reference would be requested off him. If he is any sort of employer he will consider a couple of quid as opposed to the loss of a reliable worker and give your partner a raise. If not....then I wouldn,t be able to carry on working there anyway. If everyone else has had a raise, then I would agree it would seem to be discrimination.....I would also be tempted to ask the reason I had been overlooked.

[irishpoppy]

Hi thanks for your reply scampjet. Well we have been searching for other jobs recently, I have told him to threaten to leave but he he thinks they might just say ok. A guy who has asked for his second raise tried that trick however first time around and got it.

[scampjet]

I am assuming there is no unions involved here and a small firm?

I would suggest the softly softly approach first though and not just threaten to leave.. but if theres no loyalty from the boss....I think I would up sticks anyway.

On another subject....you say you have debts.

Have a good read around CAG and at similar threads to your own circumstances. With a bit of luck you may not need a pay rise

[Mrs_Ryan]

I have been in exactly the same position... I have a thread on which it is mentioned

Your partner deserves better as i realised in my case so do I.... I start my dream job on August 4 if they value your partner that much they may panic as if he is the only one who will take their rubbish then they wont want to lose him will they???? But if that waht they say... stuff em, your OH obv deserves better!!