Why does the minimum wage go up but I make the same every year?
Exactly! Not everyone, but for many, there becomes less and less incentive for people who have worked at a company. The tactic to raise the minimum wage or hiring wage to get one in the door I suppose is working, but once your there, I think companies now bank on you not wanting to leave because you're "vested" so there is zero incentive for them to retain you.
I've seen a trend in some companies where they are trying to push out workers who have been there for extended time. They would rather hire a new employee for less to cut cost. It's a messed up thought process in my opinion. IF you have a worker that has been loyal to your company and is a good employee, why mess with them. But all the while the company will feed you the line of crap that "You Matter." That's actually one of the slogans they throw around at the company I work for.
It's a lot of lip service in my opinion. And if you challenge it, they basically will tell you to kick rocks, and you will be replaced in a minute. Used to be loyalty was rewarded. Longevity too. Not anymore.