That kind of policy is stupid. Is it fair to pay people for more experience in coding if the younger person has more experience in that literal language? Life isn't about being fair it's about making sure everyone has the same opportunity to succeed. If they aren't willing or able to negotiate that is on them. I negotiated/job hopped my way from below 30k to six figures within 5 years. What your compensation is shouldn't matter to what someone else is being comped. What about all the snacks, parties, etc you're not invited to? Do they factor that in?