A Dutch Example; In the Netherlands profound discussions have started. Actually, its an ongoing discussion over the last 20 years probably. And more likely, it is not only the Dutch who are coping with this problem.
Let me give you some background information. Due to recent recession or stagnation in the western countries, financial ministers tried all they could to raise and to save money. People had to pay more tax, the insurances became more expensive, and salaries were frozen for a few years for all people in the private sector. On top of this, the inflation is nothing to write home about. Not to mention the price risings after the Euro, and the stagnations of the salaries. The discussion going on now, is about the salaries of the CEO's in the public sector. Our national train company is not capable to guarantee a train on time for several years already due to expertise and money. Their top manager on the other hand is currently earning €581.627 per year. Secondly, the hospitals. People are getting older and older, so the hospitals are working extra hours. There are waiting lists and a shortage of staff. If you want/ need a surgery, people tend to go towards foreign hospitals (Belgium, Germany) in order to sidestep waiting lists. The scream for extra money to overcome these problems is present, but the money is going different directions. Top mens of public hospitals are earning between €300.000 and €400.000 a year.
The government has started a social discussion. On the one hand, there are people saying that there should be a limit. The so-called 'prime-minister' limit for the public sector. Only in exceptional cases you should be able in the public sector, to earn more than the prime minister. On the other hand, there are people saying that it is up to the top-managers themselves to set their salaries, and up to the board and share holders to check this salary on clearness, honesty and equalness. Should we continue with this greedy-culture, or should we stand up and help the ones who need it most? A discussion in the Netherlands, but also one that can be reflected on how the west deals with Africa. Not to mention all the other examples.
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