I mean fair compensation practices. For example, I wouldn't consider it a fair practice to pay a lower rate for a higher level job by requiring consistently longer hours. I also don't consider it a fair practice to ignore policies related to ratings (which influence promotions and bonuses). The least they can do is follow their own rules. I get that some parts of equality and equity can be vague. I think this is a good example of a broken economic system if the position with more expectations pays less. It's illogical and I think it would be hard for anyone to defend it as fair - my manager certainly couldn't.

"Software engineers these days are making very good money and have very good working conditions compared to most other industries, even among other skilled white collar careers like doctors."

I think the compensation and conditions really depend on a lot of things. The median salary for software devs is about $100k-110k and are largely located in above average COL areas. I earn under $100k, have almost 10 years experience, and an MSIS. I consider the money to be ok, not "very good". The physical conditions are good, but the psychological conditions can be bad in some instances (just look at all the burnout).

For example, I know a guy who started at $90k as a diesel electric mechanic with great benefits. That's tens of thousands saved in college costs. Plus you can start working sooner. Plenty of jobs can pay that kind of money, so I don't see software dev as anything special.

I've tried the communication/negotiation part. It didn't work. The managers have almost no power within the large corporate structure. So I adjusted my willingness down to match the pay. If I actually want to make more, I'll just leave (although that's not an option due to constraints in my personal life). Another thing to note is that value is a tricky thing to measure in a IT as a cost center model. For example, how do you value security work?

It's funny, the company has been going on and on for years about the war for talent, talent shortage, etc. It's all just PR for the current employees to feel safe. They won't actually do anything to retain people.