NBC is asking its employees to voluntarily forgo raises this year – kinda.

NBC News is asking its on- and off-air employees to delay any contractually obligated salary increases for six months, reports Gawker.com.

The media site goes on to say that the employees have a right to request their respected raises, but that NBC, who’s parent company is General Electric, won’t be quick to forget it.

When the next budget cuts roll around, NBC will take into account which employees failed to “voluntarily” cooperate.

Doesn’t sound like much of a choice.