Some years ago, when I was a teacher-in-charge for a performing arts CCA, I often had to regularly communicate with a vendor.
The main coach was paid more than the assistant coach. Sometimes, when the main coach was absent and the assistant coach had to cover the main coach, the vendor insisted that for that lesson, the assistant coach should be paid as much as the main coach.
This was, of course, ludicrous. Firstly, the instructors’ pay could not be changed. It was written into the contract.
Secondly, there is a reason why there is a pay difference. The experience and knowledge of the main and assistant coaches were not the same.
I tried to make the vendor understand this but he kept saying that he had to fight for his people.
That was a most unintelligent way to fight. It’s like trying to get cheaper meals for your family by arguing over the price of a KFC Zinger meal with the person at the KFC counter.
The amazing thing was that he did this repeatedly.
I even had to say, “So if I relieve my HOD’s class, should I get her salary?” Alas, this argument could not connect with him.