Feeling bitter about working way up to job you didn't want

Mr_da

I've been working for a firm now for twenty years started as a yard man then moved up to 7.5 ton wagon driver same money but good customers in Nice areas. Then passed hgv class 2 licence 12 years ago (payed for by myself) no intention of staying with same company. But at the time got offered pay rise of £1.68 which I accepted as at the time was a fair difference
But 12 years on what with minimum wage, the pay difference is 50 pence. Now thinking of applying for a different job within same firm, literally demoting myself and see if they offer me a pay rise that way to keep me doing what I'm doing if that makes sense. Has anyone else tried anything like this and how to word it.
The difference in money I could deal with if push came to shove
Also quite convinced they couldn't employ anyone who would stick at my job for anything other than a couple of months.

bugslet

It's not clear to me, do you like your job in any way? I'd find it odd that you'd stick at something for that long if you didn't like some of it.

Obviously depending where you are, that's either a poor or appalling rate for Class 2. Is it worth you going to management and pointing out that your higher pay rate has been eroded by the increase in NMW and have a look round your area to see what other firms pay their class 2 drivers. As a manager, I don't see the point of circling round the issue in the hope that they give you more money. Just go in, be pleasant and clear in your explanation of why you are worth more.

FWIW, my van/7.5 drivers are on £9.01 an hour in the North West and its not the hardest work, no multi drop.

Takeaway_Addict

Mr_da wrote: »

I've been working for a firm now for twenty years started as a yard man then moved up to 7.5 ton wagon driver same money but good customers in Nice areas. Then passed hgv class 2 licence 12 years ago (payed for by myself) no intention of staying with same company. But at the time got offered pay rise of £1.68 which I accepted as at the time was a fair difference
But 12 years on what with minimum wage, the pay difference is 50 pence. Now thinking of applying for a different job within same firm, literally demoting myself and see if they offer me a pay rise that way to keep me doing what I'm doing if that makes sense. Has anyone else tried anything like this and how to word it.
The difference in money I could deal with if push came to shove
Also quite convinced they couldn't employ anyone who would stick at my job for anything other than a couple of months.

Don't play games, just move or don't.

Mr_da

Hi thanks for the reply. Yes there are parts of my job I like I.e a good bunch of direct work colleagues, decent wagon and a few good customers.
I've pointed out to my manager at our depot that the money is way below average ( also based in the north west). He agrees and has expressed that he is concerned that he would struggle to fill the position if I was ever to leave, but head office are adamant that they can't afford to increase my rate.
I'm just getting to the point where it's sticking in my throat to be driving an 18 ton wagon around industrial estates every day with all the rigmarole of signing in security, when for 50 pence an hour less I could be doing coastal runs and Countryside runs which I used to enjoy going to work to do.
Where as when I first started in my present role it was worthwhile the extra stress due to the difference in wage.

sangie595

You are in the same position as many other low paid workers. So your choice is clear. Get another job. Or don't. But trying to bluff your employer into a pay rise is not the way to do it.

Fireflyaway

I agree with being straight. You asked for a rise - good on you because many people would be too shy! That didn't work. It might not work trying to apply for a different role either. If they need your skills and need you in the current role it might suit them better to say no.
Have a look around somewhere else and see if there is something better. I can see how frustrating it must be to have been loyal and not feel valued financially. Nothing is going to change unless you take action though.

bugslet

Give them one more chance if you basically like the job, it sounds fairly decent, if they don't up the wage then start looking for another job. Like I said, I'm paying more for a van driver than you are getting class 2.

Ever thought of getting your class 1? You've got your DCPC, it shouldn't cost that much with having your 2.

I might be wrong and don't mean to be rude, but do you think with being at the same company for so long you are being too nervous of making a change. If you don't do something, they will continue to take advantage of you.

Good luck.

ReadingTim

There aren't many places left where you get a pay rise for simply being there another year. Keep doing the same job, and they'll keep paying you the same wage - with possibly the odd percentage rise to keep pace with inflation. Pay rises tend only to happen if you take on additional responsibilities or change role - which doesn't seem to be the case here.

Ask for a pay rise if you like, but without examples of why it's justified, you won't get far. You need to show how the going rate for 7.5t drivers is £xx, that you could get paid that at another firm and they'd have to pay that to someone else if you left. Your argument that pay differentials should be maintained won't work, and would result in an upwards ratchet of pay when those on NMW then say it's not fair that you're paid £1.68 more than them when it used to be only 50p.... And so on....

Ultimately though, it depends on what you do if they say no. Would you really "demote" yourself and do (probably) a worse job for less money permanently? I suspect not, much as you think you could. Would you find another job? Or would you suck it up?

First off, I think you need to find out what the going rate for 7.5t drivers is in your area and how your pay compares to that rate. If you think you've got a case, you then need to decide what you'd do if you ask and the company says no. Would you leave? Finally, don't be tempted to cut off your nose to spite your face, and don't think the company would ever make some kind of 'come back, all is forgiven, we've made a terrible mistake' kind of offer - everyone is replaceable, and it isn't very nice finding that out the hard way!