I have tried to follow similar advice as found in this article during past annual performance reviews, which is the only time raises are discussed--all to no avail.
What finally got my boss's attention was when I told him I suspected that others in my position were making more than me. (non-union shop) He finally checked that out with HR, and I received a raise this year to make up the difference. This is one more thing you might want to try, if all else fails.
