Is it legal for a company to not give you a raise?

Get Legal Help Today

Compare Quotes From Top Companies and Save

secured lock Secured with SHA-256 Encryption

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 13 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. 


IMPORTANT NOTICE: The Answer(s) provided above are for general information only. The attorney providing the answer was not serving as the attorney for the person submitting the question or in any attorney-client relationship with such person. Laws may vary from state to state, and sometimes change. Tiny variations in the facts, or a fact not set forth in a question, often can change a legal outcome or an attorney's conclusion. Although AttorneyPages.com has verified the attorney was admitted to practice law in at least one jurisdiction, he or she may not be authorized to practice law in the jurisdiction referred to in the question, nor is he or she necessarily experienced in the area of the law involved. Unlike the information in the Answer(s) above, upon which you should NOT rely, for personal advice you can rely upon we suggest you retain an attorney to represent you.

Get Legal Help Today

Find the right lawyer for your legal issue.

secured lock Secured with SHA-256 Encryption