Don't mess with people's pay

When I was responsible for staff, one rule always took precedence: ensure people were paid correctly and on time. Getting paid is not a bonus or a privilege. It is something people rely on to pay mortgages, buy groceries and support their families. When pay is wrong, the impact is felt not only financially but emotionally as well. It creates stress, uncertainty and a feeling that someone’s contribution is not valued. Perhaps that is why I become particularly annoyed when my own pay is not right.

This week, staff across the organisation I work for received the pay rise due from 1 July, along with the associated back pay. Unfortunately, I was not among them. The organisation is relying on a policy that requires six months of service before employees become eligible. On paper, that may seem straightforward. What has been overlooked is the twenty months I spent working in the same role as a contractor while waiting for the organisation to transition me to permanent employment. This delay has meant I have missed out on benefits available to other employees of the organisation.

Now they might stick to the rules, but to me, that service should count. The discussions continue, and I remain hopeful that common sense will prevail. Until then, the issue continues to affect my pay packet and my patience.