Kópavogur Solves Gender Pay Gap By Lowering Man’s Income

The town of Kópavogur lowered a man’s income after an equality complaint committee ruled that he couldn’t receive higher pay than a woman in the same job, RÚV reports.

The woman believes that the decision will discourage other town employees from seeking their rights. “I can’t imagine otherwise. What should people do when they react this way?”

Minister of social affairs Eygló Harðardóttir said the town had gone against the committee ruling by lowering the man’s income. “The message to the employer was clear that they shouldn’t amend the pay this way.” RÚV also reports.

The town mayor Ármann Kr. Ólafsson cited that the man had a university degree, which the woman didn’t have. “We can never pay those that don’t have a university degree the same wages as those who have.”