Is it legal for a company to not give you a raise?
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Is it legal for a company to not give you a raise?
I have been working for a huge corporation for about 5 years now. The company required me to have a GED but I did not have one. They hired me anyway. I have been told if I get my GED I will finally after 5 years get up to the pay grade I should be at. Also, I will receive my job title. How is it possible from them to have me do this job if Iam not allowed my job title or a pay increase?
Asked on September 1, 2010 under Employment Labor Law, Colorado
Answers:
M.D., Member, California and New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 14 years ago | Contributor
Unfortunately, yes this not giving an employee a raise is legal. In most states employment arrangements are what is known as "at will". What this means is that an employer can hire or fire someone for any reason or no reason whatsoever, as well dictate an increase/decrease salary/hours, promote/demote, and generally impose requirements as they see fit. You in turn can choose to work for an employer or not. Exceptions would be if there is a stated company policy contrary to this, or if there is a union/employment agreement that does not allow for such action, or if this situation has arisen due to some type of workplace discrimination (i.e., for reasons due to your race, religion, age, disability, sex, national origin).
You may want to seriously consider getting your GED.
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