[_qzu4]

Never talk to the bosses boss without going to your boss first. By doing so, you are ignoring the chain of command and likely will you fired. How would you feel if someone you managed went behind your back to talk to your boss?

[Hajuijj]

That kind of behavior is for me a red flag which would definitely lead to me scheduling a meeting with the boss of my boss.

If you really wanted to stay with that company because everything else is great, your only chance is to solve this with the boss of the boss.

5 figure bonus lost due to this is abuse.

[kjakm]

Agreed, I thought that was implied in my comment but reading back it isn’t.

I disagree that going above your boss first would lead to getting fired though (again with the exception of at will employment).