Partial Increase

[IllinoisEmp]

What is the name of your state?What is the name of your state? Illinois
I was only given a 2% merit increase instead of 4% due to the fact that I was on sick leave for more than 12 weeks in the previous year. I had enough paid accumulated sick time to cover the 19 weeks that I was off, I had Doctor's excuses for the time that I was off for two surgeries. I told my empolyer the estimated time I would be away from work before having the surgeries and was told everything was ok, that I had enough sick leave. I was reviewed by my immediate supervisor prior to the increase and received high marks all around. I called our home office to complain, and was told that the policy was known to exist by management personnel only. I have worked for them for 28 years, and have always been a good employee. I am not a member of a Union. Do I have any rights ? What should I do ?

 

[cbg]

You should be grateful that you received a 2% increase instead of no increase at all. Your employer is under no obligation to EVER give you an increase unless you (a) have a contract that guarantees it or (b) you are working at minimum wage and minimum wage is raised by either your state legislature or an act of Congress.

The fact that you had enough sick leave to cover the time is totally irrelevant.

Since you say you were off work for LONGER than 12 weeks, your employer could legally have fired you. The law only protects you for 12 weeks. They have done nothing unlawful and have, in fact, done more for you than the law requires.