To keep from creating a wage compression and keep up with the cost of living, long term associates deserve a wage increase as well. If the starting wage goes up $2 then long term associates that are over that amount should receive a $2 increase. Long term associates are stuck and unable to save more money for their retirement which isn’t to far away for some. Not everyone wants to advance into higher paying positions, that should not be associates only option to increase their wages. It is not equal when someone can start at the same wage or close to as an associate that has been with the company for years. Moral goes down and has a negative impact on associates, which spreads quickly throughout the store. Leaving associates frustrated and feeling unappreciated for all the years, dedication and hard work associates have put into this company. With out the long term associates this company wouldn’t be what it is today.