This story was originally published by Reasons to be Cheerful
Anthony Jarrett has worked for Public Interest Research Centre (PIRC), a Wales-based charity where he oversees finance, governance and IT, since 2009. He is also, despite his 30 years of experience, the lowest-paid member of staff.
That’s because of PIRC’s “socially just pay policy,” designed to “recognize different needs and backgrounds.” Every employee gets the same core salary, with additional “uplifts” available to those who have financial dependents or live in a city (since the Covid-19 pandemic, staff can work remotely). Even more unusually, PIRC offers uplifts to staff members who have experienced marginalization, discrimination or oppression — no requirement to explain specifics, they simply make the request. Money is also available to help cover housing or health care emergencies.
PIRC is among a growing number of organizations challenging conventional ways of paying workers. Implementing such changes requires unusual levels of trust, patience and wholehearted commitment from all involved. But many of those calling for a more equal society see it as a no-brainer — and some mainstream employers may soon be following their lead.
