SOE employees divided by pay gaps

Under pay reform measures which took effect Thursday, salaries and expense accounts have been slashed for senior executives at 72 centrally administrated State-owned enterprises (SOEs).

For many years, a widening gap between executive salaries and the wages of ordinary workers has been a major source of public discontent. Obviously, the new year's salary reduction measures signify an important step toward social equality.

Nevertheless, some worry that mid-level managers could potentially outearn their bosses. Others believe ordinary staff may soon make more than their supervisors. In reality, those who contribute the most should be compensated more for their work, regardless of their standing within a company.

Of course, pay gaps exist throughout the State sector. Through their connections with Beijing, employees at central government-led SOEs typically enjoy higher pay and better working conditions than their peers in non-central SOEs.

To further promote fairness, relevant authorities should consider reducing salaries not only for senior executives at centrally administrated SOEs, but for rank-and-file workers at such enterprises as well.