Stankey is quoted as saying “I’m not happy about the fact that wages are rising as fast as they are.” Meanwhile he gets an 18% raise after decimating AT&T.
In a recent eyebrow-raising statement, AT&T’s CEO John Stankey expressed dissatisfaction with the rate of wage growth, even as his own pay swelled by a notable 18%. This increase is particularly striking given it follows a period of significant restructuring and cost-cutting within the company, measures that significantly impacted the wider AT&T workforce. The glaring contrast between the wage growth for top executives and that of other employees inevitably prompts questions about wage equity and the priorities of the corporate higher-ups.
Stankey’s concern over rising wages, contrasted with his own substantial pay hike, sends a mixed message to AT&T’s dedicated workforce. Wages, beyond their practical function, symbolize the value corporations place on their workers. When rising wages for employees are viewed as a problem, especially in the context of inflated executive pay, it’s bound to affect worker morale. As the workforce navigates this disconnect, the conversation around fair compensation and income disparity within AT&T, and indeed the wider industry, is brought into sharp focus.
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