Is it difficult to be an unbiased, impartial Human Resources Manager?

Should I call Human Resources if my manager hasn't given me my promised raise for over 4 months?

• So, I work at Panera Bread and I started in February when I was 16. I've been a dedicated and recognized for my hardwork. I am one of the most flexible people who work there. Every six months panera employees are qualified for an evaluation for a raise. However, instead my slacking manager decided to wait until 8 months to evaluate me. We both agreed that he will give me a 50 cent raise. He had me sign a contract for this raise. However it's been 3months since then and my raise hasn't came through yet. I've been very patient and I've had several interval discussions about how my payroll isn't coming through. He has been telling me over and over again that he will fix it. However, I receive no change. I've stood up for myself and I'm at the edge of quitting my job, because of this unfair treatment. I'm desperate for advice. Should I call Human Resources? Or will that be pointless? Am I able to obtain the difference from what I earned for the past 5 months? Please I need some helpful advice. It sucks that I'm not getting what I've earned.

• Answer:

  I would if I were you. If you signed something saying that you're pay would be higher, it's a contract. The only issue is that there is no "consideration" for the raise (aka you didn't do anything additional to get the raise, like agree to work more hours, take on additional responsibilities). I don't know if you will be able to get the back pay, or even the raise, but it doesn't hurt to discuss it with human resources. I would suggest discussing it with you're manager's manager before contacting human resources though. They may be in a better position to fix you're problem. Another thing you have to remember is that human resources is not there for the employees: rather, it's there to protect the company from liability. If there was a violation of company policy on the part of you're manager by not giving the raise, they will likely honor it. If he didn't violate policy, then they may not do anything.