[throwaway2757]

Microsoft really only pays comparatively at each end of the spectrum, so for new grads out of college and people who have Wikipedia articles.

For the majority of people in their career (the Seniors and Principals/Staffs) MS pays significantly worse than other FAANG-type companies, often being well under half in terms of stock compensation for example.

The company is well aware of this as it's constantly brought up in all-hands (both within individual departments as well as at the all-company level), and they always respond with "we've done research and we believe we actually do pay comparatively in this market segment".

[rantwasp]

lol. “i actually did my reservations and your compensation is not competitive”

[intricatedetail]

> "we've done research and we believe we actually do pay comparatively in this market segment".

Sounds like market fixing and likely illegal, however I can imagine poorly paid employee wouldn't be able to afford a lawsuit.

[rantwasp]

the 'poorly paid' employees can definitely afford a lawsuit. here's the thing though: if you know what the situation is and continue to work there who is to blame?

also, most stories I've heard is that the sub-optimal comp comes bundled with pretty good WLB. So maybe if you were to double the number of hours worked and double the comp M$ would blow other BigTech out of the water. Maybe this is the play (half the money for half the effort) and everyone knows it.

[intricatedetail]

Do you base affordability on what? The type of lawyer average employee can afford will be easily crushed by a top law firm with virtually unlimited funds.

The fact that one can change job shouldn't enable companies to continue like this.

[rantwasp]

my point was that the people know the deal they are getting. if they still work there they are okay with it.

to play devil’s advocate (from a top lawyer firm): how can one force a private entity to pay a certain wage that is way over what the minimum wage is?

[intricatedetail]

People have no choice if all companies are doing same thing.

The minimum wage should be tied to company revenue to reflect the value workers generate. I mean revenue, not profit, because those companies are masters at hiding profits to avoid tax.

[rantwasp]

if the compensation is artificially kept low yes, this should be (and is?) illegal. the fact that there are other places nearby that pay really well tells me that, at a minimum, people have options.