Franco Pereyra, co-founder and COO of Near, a platform connecting U.S. companies with remote Latin American talent, has sparked controversy about the pay gap with his views on global wage disparities.
In a LinkedIn post, he argued that it's acceptable for workers in countries like Argentina, India, and the Philippines to earn less than their American counterparts, citing differences in living costs.
Pereyra acknowledged that his perspective might upset some, stating, "A lot of people get upset and say workers in Latin America, India, and the Philippines are being exploited. And yes, there are certainly companies that do exploit global talent. But paying less for overseas work is not inherently wrong."
The debate over global pay disparity is heating up as companies push for more inclusive work cultures. Some argue that workers from developing countries including regions like Latin America, India, and the Philippines are being exploited for their lower wages.
Many companies exploit the workers from these regions to cut costs, paying talented workers a fraction of what their counterparts in wealthier nations earn. This raises ethical concerns about fairness and the widening wealth gap.
Meanwhile, Pereyra’s comment box ignited a broader debate on the ethics of international hiring and wage disparities. Some defend his viewpoint, noting that wage differences are integral to the practice of offshoring. Others criticize his remarks for oversimplifying the issue, pointing out that factors like working conditions and the cost of living should also be considered.
One of the commenters on Pereyra's LinkedIn post challenged his views on pay disparities, questioning if they reflect equality or bias. They argue that India, a global leader in IT, shouldn’t be paid less, comparing it to the unfairness of sending a cheap gift to American colleagues.
They also point out that workers in the U.S. pay the same living costs, so it’s not fair to pay them less for the same job. The commenter stresses that remote work alone isn’t enough for growth, and leaders are encouraging office returns for better collaboration and innovation, calling for fairness over outdated biases.
Comments
Start the conversation
Become a member of New India Abroad to start commenting.
Sign Up Now
Already have an account? Login