forced doubling of duties for less than 13% increase or fired

[mattwh]

What is the name of your state? illinois

i have worked for this department of human services, grant, and donation-funded private agency that supports individauls with disabilities. i was awarded a the position of a program manager in 11/01 for approx. $30,600 annually salary. i have been approached by admininistration that everyone will eventually have to take two programs, doubling the my responsibilities for meager $4000 increase. if i do not take the additional program, they have stated i will be terminated. other managers at my level have been strong-armed like this and have taken the extra position, but the quality of their work has diminished by the amount of hours they have to spend and not spend in one program. countless unethical tactics have occurred to myself and others over the last three years i have been there. the major problem is it is a private "at will" employer and nobody has a contract. i am in the procees of filing a grievence through the board president, but that will take time. until now, most people have taken it or literally, walked out. i am a fighter and just want to be treated fairly. do i have any recourse, or not?

[cbg]

Nothing in the law says that you have to receive ANY increase in compensation for an increase in duties. Your only recourse will lie within your company policies - you have none in the law.

In the current economy, many employers are being forced to lay off employees and require doubling of duties for the remainder for NO increase at all, and it is quite legal; at least you kept job job and got SOME increase out of it.

[Beth3]

Your recourse is to find another job where the terms of employment are more to your liking. As cbg stated, an employer is under no legal obligation to give you an increase in pay because they have asked you to take on more responsibilities.

[StacyLB]

I would express to management that you have concerns that your quality of work will diminish if overloaded. Likely they will say tough, but you can at least express it.

I realize this sounds harsh, but welcome to the current economic state of the US.

[mattwh]

Thank you all for your replies. I needed the reality check. I am truly greatful I have a job. I just hope I can make some people aware of the problems at my work, in hopes that they will change. I am a fighter, but will not hold me breathe. Thanks again, Matt

[Beth3]

Matt, your best recourse is to mention to the appropriate person in management that you feel your compensation isn't equivalent to your job responsibilities. Then just let it be. It's quite possible your employer isn't in a position to adjust your pay at the present but will try and do something at budget time.

I've seen good things happen when employees took this approach and then were patient and didn't harp on it. Good luck.