Literally underpaid for years...

HowDoIDoThis

I work for a small organization, but made a scary discovery. The amount in the voted and approved budget is several thousands more than what my paychecks work out to be. I've been underpaid and this has been happening for years. Should I just pursue fixing this fiscal year, or seek it for all years where I was underpaid?

The Crowing One

Not to sound like a dick, but are you taking into account the taxes and benefits, or just going off what shows when you deposit the check?

HowDoIDoThis

No please. The obvious-thing-I'm-overlooking is what I'm trying to figure out. I've ruled out taxes and benefits, so those are out.

Darkewolfe

Are you sure the approved budget doesn't still allow your supervisor to pay you at their discretion? It's possible that they approved X amount for your position, but then left it up to your supervisor to negotiate with you to save the org money when possible.

Deebaser

Just to confirm, you are aware that your SS/Medicare taxes need to be paid by your employer as well.

Modern Man

Does your paycheck show a gross salary that matches up with what you expect to get? That is, if your gross salary is $30K a year and that is what you are being paid, then I don't see the problem. Whatever the actual budget for payroll might be isn't really relevant to your paycheck.

The Crowing One

Sorry, I knew it would sound kinda goose-ish.

I'd really advise a few things: you agreed to the pay, so they aren't going to just give you more; I'm sure that your supervisor is getting props for saving money, so tread lightly; and lastly, next time you have a review, you KNOW what their perimeters are and that's the chance to ask for more.

a5ehren

Any decent company builds extra amounts into the budget to account for any number of things - gotta pay utilities to keep the lights on, support/HR staff, etc. You aren't being underpaid (in a legal sense) unless your checks come out to be less than what you were told they were going to be when you were hired.

Enc

Darkewolfe wrote:

Are you sure the approved budget doesn't still allow your supervisor to pay you at their discretion? It's possible that they approved X amount for your position, but then left it up to your supervisor to negotiate with you to save the org money when possible.

This is how most large corporations and government positions work. They leave a small pillow of overage over their target in case the applicant needs to relocate, or there are negotiations. I wouldn't expect you to get that money back and, unless the job has been a real goose to you in this market, I wouldn't press the issue firmly. Honestly, more harm than good will likely come of it, though.

HowDoIDoThis

I knew it would end up being something dumb. I ran the numbers 10 times, but sure enough- it's the taxes. "Nothing to see here."

The Crowing One

a5ehren wrote:

Any decent company builds extra amounts into the budget to account for any number of things - gotta pay utilities to keep the lights on, support/HR staff, etc. You aren't being underpaid (in a legal sense) unless your checks come out to be less than what you were told they were going to be when you were hired.

It really doesn't work that way. Those items are not built into salary and are separate line items.

The Crowing One

HowDoIDoThis wrote:

I knew it would end up being something dumb. I ran the numbers 10 times, but sure enough- it's the taxes. "Nothing to see here."

Sorry, silly goose, but I have to say: "I told ya so". Doesn't mean you can't still gun for the raise.

HowDoIDoThis

thanks all!