No merit in “no merit:” IAPE wants you to get a raise
/We have received reports that managers have been telling IAPE members they can’t get a merit raise this year due to the union contract.
That’s inaccurate.
Management has in previous years awarded merit raises on top of contractual union raises based on performance. This year is the latest that managers have blamed the union contract for their decision not to hand out merit raises.
While it may be demoralizing, it is also a reminder that IAPE benefits from member engagement and help. We will need to prepare for the next contract fight in 2027. Apparently, the union contract is still the best way to get a raise.
Here are some persistent myths about raises:
Myth: The union sets a limit on raises during contract years.
Fact: The contract Dow Jones signed with IAPE sets a compensation floor, not a ceiling. Union members spent a year bargaining to make sure we all get at least a small annual pay raise during each year of the contract. Despite what your managers may tell you, Dow Jones has always confirmed to IAPE that employees can discuss discretionary pay raises with management at any time. You should ask for more.
Myth: There just isn’t any money this year.
Fact: While Dow Jones can set its budget as it chooses, it’s notable that after a second celebrated year of record profits, they’re telling managers to let people know they set nothing aside for the workers who made it happen. You should ask for more.
Myth: 2025 union raises just went through so that’s that.
Fact: Discretionary raises can happen at any time of the year. Maybe even after the next time Almar sends out another record earnings email. You should ask for more.
Myth: “We all think we deserve a promotion.”
Fact: Many members have spent the past year learning, growing, experimenting and succeeding in their roles, often taking on more work as departments shrivel with layoffs and restructuring. For those members, promotions aren’t a little treat the company gives out of the goodness of their hearts—they’re recognition of the work that makes this company thrive. You should ask for more.
Myth: No one is getting a raise
Fact: Some people are—and good for them! When we support each other in our successes, we all do better. You should ask for more.
To the managers who are repeating these myths, we say: It may come as a surprise to you to learn that the union receives pay data for all IAPE-represented employees each pay period. So it’s pretty easy to figure out when someone receives a merit increase. When the union reports back with the number of discretionary raises this year, we just want to make sure you’re going to stand by your "no merit” statements.
You’d think these myths would have been debunked by now: