Management and salary. They have lower salaries than other companies in the area. When the issue gets brought up, they tell you to think of the bonuses as part of your salary. They'll also mention how you shouldn't expect bonuses and they are just bonuses, not part of your salary. Apparently it's just an easy diversion to get employees to drop the problem of less competitive pay. Management lets certain workers slack (one employee in my area would often take naps), while being extremely strict on others. They rely on those with good work ethic to carry the department while some of the others slack off. The lazy workers get transferred around instead of being fired. Slowly working their way into middle management, and the cycle continues.