I totally agree PL many years ago , one of my staff told a customer, on my day off, that i was in town spending money faster than she earns it!! i was fuming when the customer told me what she'd said. What your staff dont see, is when the shop is quiet and you are the one to go WITHOUT wages.They have no idea what goes out in the everyday running of your business. If you cannot afford the pay rise, dont be bullied into it, otherwise you may find yourself in this position every year?