I've heard this one. This only works until the guys start talking about how much they got. Then we all know the boss is a liar.
After a long time of being lied to, held back, and generally being lied to, I called the pointy haired tech manager on it. I mentioned the word veteran and lawsuit.
That guy has moved on to an ever bigger state gov. parasite slot. I feel sorry for any unfavorite and veterans that are deemed lesser.