Troublesome issue in work re: pay rise

Danyúl_II

Hi folks,

So I will make it as brief as possible.

I work abroad for a foreign company who have a small office in England. I’ve been with the company three years and have always handed my contract and remuneration issues with the bosses here. My team leader is based in London. I recently e-mailed my bosses here, abroad, about a pay rise and asking for a meeting, and they’ve fobbed me off and said I need to discuss it with the team leader in England.


My issues:
-This person has never handled any such issues before
-This person has no knowledge of the country / city I live in
-This person knows nothing whatsoever of taxes over here
- I’d feel very uncomfortable discussing this issue with my team leader and see no reason why I shouldn’t discuss it with those who know of the cost of living here.

I’d like to approach the bosses and express my concerns, but don’t want to come across blunt, rude, unappreciative or the likes. Does anybody have any advice?

Thanks a lot

Danyúl_II

Additionally, we have in our office here, a set of rules regarding holidays which are used throughout the various countries the company works in.

One rule is regarding holiday carried over from year before. Here the rule is the extra holiday from previous year has to be used before end of a certain month... but every year, and it is the same this year, they say it's OK and can be used simply throughout the year.

Again, I have an issue as my team leader in the UK has decided that we will be the only exception in the entire company and will have to use the extra holidays by then or lose them.

Another issue is with me asking to use the days for a three-week holiday. The team leader says this may not be possible, but at the same time wants them using before end of March.

This person is absolutely horrendous to have to work with.

Southend1

I think you should avoid making assumptions about what your team leader does or doesn't know about tax etc in the country where you work. If they don't already know, how do you know they won't research the issues before making a decision. The company say this is the person to approach regarding your remuneration so I would do so with an open mind, and only look to an alternative if and when there is a problem with the arrangement.

With regard to the rules about holiday, it seems as though your team leader is simply applying the rules as they are written. Have you discussed it with her? If she won't budge on it you could raise a grievance but it may sour your relationship further.

DKLS

Dany!l_II wrote: »

My issues:
-This person has never handled any such issues before
-This person has no knowledge of the country / city I live in
-This person knows nothing whatsoever of taxes over here
- I’d feel very uncomfortable discussing this issue with my team leader and see no reason why I shouldn’t discuss it with those who know of the cost of living here.

I’d like to approach the bosses and express my concerns, but don’t want to come across blunt, rude, unappreciative or the likes. Does anybody have any advice?

Thanks a lot

I don't see any of the above as an issue, just treat it like any other pay-rise request, prepare for the meeting with all your justifications for a pay rise and have a number in mind that you will be happy with, e.g. I have exceeded targets by xxxx, made savings of xxxx and taken on additional territory/responsibilities.

agrinnall

When you own the company you can decide the rules on how things work, until then the people that do own it decide, and you follow the rules that they make. As they say, Simples!