Oxfam and ITUC push taxation reforms to address wealth concentration
Oxfam and ITUC call for super-wealthy taxation to reduce documented wealth inequality.
Event / Economy
Global Wage Inequality Study 2025
Oxfam and the International Trade Union Confederation released a comparative study on executive versus worker compensation, finding CEO pay rose 11% globally while average worker wages increased 0.5%. The report highlights wealth concentration among 3,428 billionaires and calls for increased taxation on high earners.
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2026-08-18 to 2026-11-15 · UTC publication dates
Coverage begins 1 May, 06:06 UTC
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What happened
Global executive compensation rose 11% in 2025 while worker wages grew only 0.5%
Oxfam and the ITUC report that worldwide, executive compensation at major corporations increased 11% in real terms (inflation-adjusted) in 2025, compared to just 0.5% wage growth for average workers. This widening gap was highlighted in their comparative analysis released on International Workers' Day.
Bernard Arnault received $3.8 billion in LVMH dividends in 2025
Bernard Arnault, CEO and principal shareholder of luxury conglomerate LVMH, received approximately $3.8 billion in dividend payments in 2025, making him among the largest individual recipients of corporate dividends globally according to the Oxfam and ITUC analysis.
CEO compensation in France increased 3.3 times faster than worker wages in 2025
According to Oxfam and the International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC), executive compensation at France's largest companies grew 3.3 times faster than average worker wages in 2025. The study examined compensation trends for CEOs and directors of CAC 40 companies, finding that 26 of these executives saw salary increases of 18% between 2024 and 2025, while typical worker compensation growth lagged significantly behind.
Nearly $80 billion in dividends distributed to billionaires in 2025
According to the Oxfam and ITUC study, approximately $80 billion was distributed as dividends to roughly 1,000 identified billionaires in 2025, equating to $2,500 per second. These dividend payments constitute a substantial portion of billionaire wealth accumulation alongside salary compensation.
Oxfam and ITUC call for taxation of super-wealthy to reduce inequality
Oxfam and the International Trade Union Confederation advocate for implementing effective taxation on the income and wealth of the super-rich as a policy measure to reduce levels of economic inequality globally.
3,428 billionaires control 17% of global GDP
The Oxfam and ITUC study identifies 3,428 billionaires globally, 86% of whom are male, who collectively control wealth equivalent to 17% of global GDP. These billionaires are characterized as dominating the world economy.
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2 alternative perspectives
CEO pay surges while worker wages stagnate globally in 2025
Executive compensation surged 11% globally while worker wages grew 0.5%, widening wealth inequality.