Income Inequality: Harvie Urges Scottish Ministers To Act
New High Pay Centre analysis has found evidence of huge pay gaps in Scotland, between ordinary workers and top executives. 35 Executives at some of Scotland’s biggest companies took home a total of £55 million last year.
Patrick Harvie MSP, Finance and Economy spokesperson for the Scottish Greens, said:
“The appalling level of income inequality in our society must be challenged, and it’s timely that this research comes ahead of the SNP conference. While Greens and the SNP were united in disappointment at Labour blocking the devolution of pay and employment policy during the Smith negotiations, there is much the Scottish Government can still do to tackle the gap between the super-rich and the rest of us.
"Scottish ministers could start with the dozens of public bodies whose chief executives are on six figure salaries while frontline staff endure real terms pay cuts. Ministers also need to make good on their business pledge and withdraw support from wealthy firms and individuals who don’t pay their taxes. They should also be encouraging large private firms to adopt maximum wage ratios to show that Scotland welcomes fair business practices.
“Scotland can create better-paid jobs if we prioritise investment in the new economy."