Our two-tier system will have dire consequences

A FRIEND who is also a Labour supporter is delighted with the restoration of the national minimum wage and, of course, he’s right.

I foolishly suggested a national maximum wage as well and proposed it could be pegged really high, say a massive 100% more than the minimum.

My idea was scoffed at even if I did use the magical percentage quotient.

We are inclined to look at percentages as if they’re fair and equitable where as the reality is that a 10% reduction in the wage of the lowly paid means cutting out little luxuries like meat and fruit, while a massive 50% cut in the salary of a filthy rich semi-state exec reduces him to a mere dirty rich but he still beats the basic earner by a factor of 10, or 1000%, if you prefer.

If we are all in the same economic boat, then everyone has to put their hands to the oars and pull their weight because if this two-tier status quo persists, those on the bottom rungs of the money ladder will feel abused, but worst of all, will loose hope with dire consequences for themselves and the country.

Patrick Dolan

Kinsale

Co Cork