Imagine working in a huge corporation. So large that you have 25 levels of managers above you. Imagine doing an absolutely great job day after day, being loved by colleagues and you manager. Imagine the oaf 25 levels up saying up front with no knowledge about you, your work or even the existance of your department telling you that you don’t deserve a raise no matter what you do. I’m certain that you and your manager and colleagues will all continue working at peak efficiency....
Don’t forget the bit where all the managers above you give themselves pay raises.
And do the imagining while you're on your two-month annual paid leave.