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Is your employer busy considering SALARY INCREASES? You probably believe that you are underpaid and are wondering how best to ensure that you are in line for the best possible increase.  You want to make sure the "people that count" see your brilliant output or are presently making it known what the terrible consequences of not increasing your salary will be...  >> more

So what does the law say about salary increases? There is generally NO legal right to an increase.  In South Africa, we live in an economic system where there is "freedom of trade" and therefore, unless there is a statutory minimum wage (which is always ridiculously low,) salaries are predominately determined by negotiation and not legislation.

Have a look at a useful article written by John Lloyd "HOW TO NEGOTIATE THE SALARY YOU DESERVE." It includes the ten tips to get a better than average increase. They are

Have you been promised an increase but not received one? If you have been promised an increase, you may want to follow a Grievance Procedure if such increase does not materialize   >> more 

Thereafter you may consider enforcing any monetary claim against your employer in the Civil Courts  >> more

Is your employer trying to make you resign If your boss tells you that he is not giving you an increase because he wants you to resign, this could be grounds for taking him on..   >> more

Non Labour Protect members are also able to get FREE assistance:  The Labour Protect Advice Forum gives you the opportunity to put forward a labour law query to a Labour Law Expert... and at no cost... >> more

What are the Benefits of joining Labour Protect?  Access to some of the best Labour Experts in South Africa is something that will benefit not only you, but your family and lifestyle... >> more

Many employers prefer to lay down the law rather than to obey it.  When confronted, they often would prefer to use all available resources to frustrate a just outcome rather than make good on their error.  To ensure that employees have the best resources at their disposal Labour Protect now offers membership! >> more

For R85.00 per month, subject to our membership rules, members can have access to some of the best labour lawyers in South Africa FREE OF CHARGE.  This includes assistance with matters that go to the CCMA, Labour Court and even the Constitutional Court!  >>  brochure on membership

Based on feedback and research we once again have been tinkering with the layout of the Labour Protect website.  We hope the changes improved the functionality of the site and we would appreciate any feedback...

We are pleased to advise, that for the mean while, the website information is FREE to all those wanting information on South African labour law.  Visit our site at www.labourprotect.co.za

The Labour Protect Advice Forum is extremely popular for those wishing to publish their labour law queries.  This Forum gives employees the opportunity to voice their labour problems and have an expert give them some guidance on what path to take.  Have a look and see for yourself >>  Labour Protect Advice Forum.    (Please note the "Terms of Use" policy published on the site...)

>> jobs in South Africa

We have extended our network of participating labour experts into Pretoria and East London.  Labour Protect prides itself in only using the most experienced and capable lawyers on the Labour Protect network.  As Labour Protect is largely independent of the lawyer used, if our members are not completely happy with the service provided, we can address the issue and, if needs be, cease using the services of such experts for future instructions.

We fully realize that simply providing advice and information cannot substitute the intervention of an experienced labour lawyer in a complicated legal matter.  Labour Protect is not just a virtual business existing in the "vapoursphere" but through our national “bricks and mortar” network of labour lawyers and experts  we provide the opportunity for employees to visit an expert in their time of need.  The network can be accessed through the national telephone number 0860 522687 or 0860 LABOUR.  For our Current Members, you can call this number for FREE assistance in terms of the Labour Protect Membership Rules. 

For non members facing unfair dismissal, unfair labour practices or unlawful retrenchment, you too can use the services of the lawyers on the network.  (If you are not a member, be sure to discuss the cost of such service to avoid any surprises at a later stage…!)

Newsletter Topic:   Full text

NEWSLETTER TOPIC:                                   FEBRUARY 2005

HOW TO NEGOTIATE THE SALARY YOU DESERVE by John Lloyd

Are you being paid what you are really worth? Do you deserve a salary increase? The chances are that your boss won’t voluntarily shower you with a huge bonus or more than the annual inflation-related raise. To rectify this, you have to make the first move and it requires skill and preparation to effectively negotiate a salary increase. Here are ten tips to get a better than average increase:

1. Be honest with yourself.  Do you deserve an increase? You need to believe that you have delivered an outstanding and measurable performance within your company that deserves an increase. It helps if your company is doing well and that your boss is aware of your contribution.

2. Think like the boss.  Clearly determine what standards your employer uses for measuring performance. Focus on the achievements that they value and concentrate your efforts in these areas. These accomplishments will help you achieve a higher than average increase.   

3. Have a plan. Successful salary negotiation requires clear and focused thinking. Be prepared for any objections and start the discussion by carefully explaining why you feel that you deserve an increase. Present your work accomplishments, especially records of good performance from customers and superiors. You should always keep a journal. Let your actions show that you deserve an increase.

4. Know the standards for your industry. Do some research to determine what others are earning in your industry and position. Look at recruitment adverts in the newspaper or online. Speak to friends or contacts in the industry at other companies. Be careful though - companies do not enjoy people discussing salaries, but gaining this knowledge is vital in your preparation.

5. Ensure that you set the correct tone. Avoid ultimatums and threats. Let your employer know that you will understand their point of view, but make it clear that you expect the same courtesy.

6. Be persuasive. There is a difference between being effectively convincing and annoying and obstinate. Attempt to persuade your employer the benefits of increasing your salary. Try not to argue, but be prepared with strong points on why you deserve this salary.

7. Aim high, but be realistic. Be reasonable and professional in your approach. Use a win-win partnership style of negotiation. Base your figure on what the market is offering someone of your experience.

8. Be objective. Your presentation will be more powerful if based on objective criteria like what other related companies pay to people with similar experience.

9. Be positive, enthusiastic and confident.  People are sometimes reluctant and nervous to ask for an increase. Your research of the marketplace, coupled with effective preparation should give you the confidence to present your request for a raise. The worst thing that can happen is that your boss will say no, but you will have positively tabled your feelings, and this is valuable for your next meeting.

10. Be patient. Your boss is probably rewarded for controlling costs and not for awarding better than average increases. You may therefore not succeed with your first attempt, and the negotiations could result in a series of meetings. Be patient, and remember that good increases are achieved with effective strategy and a professional approach.

One of the biggest career mistakes we can make is not negotiating the correct salary at the commencement of a new job at a new company. Once you are the chosen candidate for a job, you have more power than you think. Your negotiation style and strategy will determine whether you gain the maximum starting salary. A company won’t just offer you the highest possible salary. You can pay a long term financial price if you accept a lower starting salary than you or the job deserves. Don’t make this costly mistake. 

To ease the process in the future, schedule time with your manager to devise some goals for the next year. Identify the deliverables, and attach a reward to each, e.g. an upgrade in job grade or a promotion or a pay increase or a bonus.  Deciding on these milestones and rewards together in advance helps both of you to understand what is expected of you, and simplifies the reward process – it’s all been worked out in advance.   

There is no time like the present to start making your case for a deserved salary increase. Go for it!

 “In business, you don’t get what you deserve, you get what you negotiate”.

 – Chester L Karrass

John Lloyd is a marketing, media, property and training consultant. He is a regular speaker at international and local conferences. john@earthquake.co.za . He acts independently of Labour Protect. We thank him for his contribution to this newsletter.

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