Gee,


I have just started a new post and knew when I was recruited that I would be taking on extra duties in the coming months that will entail longer hours.  I will be paid for those hours and eventually my current post will be "refurbished" and reassessed.  My colleagues have had pay cuts for the past two years and are facing no pay increases in 2011 as well as having to take on new tasks because our company is being reorganised.  These are very difficult times and many companies are seeking to cut costs or to manage work without recruiting too many new personnel.  One feels fortunate to have a job, but at the same time it shouldn't mean that one is just used as a doormat.   The effect of a workload that is too heavy combined with no increase in pay is a decrease in morale and motivation and an increase in sick leave. 

Being a newby I am not sure precisely what you do or what level you are at in your team.  On the face of it this looks like a completely new job.  You are asking some very pertinent questions and probably need to explore them with your manager and personnel department.

Asking for a pay rise may not win you any favours at this stage.  I would wait and see what the reorganisation brings and negotiate from there for a reassessment. 

I really feel for you and hope all these changes are not the prelude to redundancy.

Regards,

Celeste