Sure there’s a solid opportunity out there to show the world (Wall Street) that we are commited to maintaining strong fiscal discipline in a higher commodity price environment. I would go so far as to say that it is probably the best approach to be taking right now and something management deserves kudos for. Hopefully it pays dividends (pun not intended) in the future.
But 2%????? That’s a slap in the face to the worker bees busting our butts to help deliver the operational excellence that management also likes to talk about. 5, 4, even 3 would be tough to stomach, but at least it’s SOMETHING more than inflation.
I know the industry still isn’t making money hand over foot fist like the good ol days, but that doesn’t mean careers should be stalling out. My morale and motivation aren’t great right now and I would guess I’m not alone.