Seattle, WA asked in Employment Discrimination and Employment Law for Washington

Q: I’ve requested a raise from my employee but have not heard back, even though they said all raises would start June 1.

I requested a raise from my employer 2 months ago as part of my annual performance review, after 4 years of working for them and receiving no merit increases for the past 3 years. In a company-wide email in April, HR said all performance reviews and merit increases would take effect by June 1, 2021. I’ve yet to have my performance review or hear back about the raise I requested despite it being late June. Is there any grounds for legal action if I have it in writing that all salary adjustments would be effective by June 1?

1 Lawyer Answer
Carrie Dyer
Carrie Dyer
Answered
  • Employment Law Lawyer
  • Columbus, OH

A: Based on what you've described, there is no legal violation. Your employer is not legally obligated to give you a performance review or merit increase. If they chose to do so, they can implement the raise at any time of their choosing.

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