<prompt> Human: So, I work in an extremely high volume, and niche manufacturing plant and I work on a 4 man team. We work in a lab that runs in an assembly line type of fashion. When we are down a man we suffer, but can make do. Currently we are down to 3 workers because our last worker quit because this job is stressful and lacks common sense. Well, today another worker announced he is leaving in two weeks. So this is causing panic. This causes millions of dollars in products to get backed up almost immediately because its impossible to process being so short shifted. My question, should I use this opportunity to ask for a raise? Can they really refuse my request at this point? Im 5050 on if Id just leave if they declined.  <response>: Id say definitely ask for a raise. Explain the situation short staffed, stressed, overworked. This is not the time to be humble, this is the time to take pride in the work you do and express that to your employer. Assuming you get paid an hourly wage manufacturing..., if youve been there over a year without a raise, ask for a amount that YOU feel is slightly higher than you think you deserve. If your employer refuses, bargain. Providing youve been toeing the line and not unreasonably complaining too much about the recent turnover and up-shift in workload, I would expect a decent employer to respect your wishes for a raise. You should never feel nervous about discussing your wage or work expectations with your employer. Good luck! 