I would have to concur with Rick's opinion and this generally true across the board. The major corporation I work for does this as a matter of routine- they won't give anyone a decent cost of living increase, maybe 2%; nor a raise if they can help it, despite record profits. But you can count on one or more performance bonuses every year at raise time. It's all about not having to commit to anything. There are hard working folks at my office who have not received a raise for years despite having been there for decades. It's disgusting but it shows you what the game is about. It also tells you the only way to get ahead is to renegotiate your salary by hopping to another company every so often.