If you directly own stock in a company, you can play a role in changing the double standard in compensation for executives and workers. Shareholders must approve executive compensation plans and elect the directors who set the CEO’s pay, and they can propose and support shareholder resolutions that limit executive compensation.

Propose a Shareholder Resolution: Take direct action and submit a shareholder proposal to limit executive compensation at a company. Learn how to submit a shareholder proposal.

Vote Your Proxies to Limit CEO Pay: If you own stock in a company, you can vote for shareholder proposals that limit CEO pay, vote against executive compensation plans or vote against directors that approved these pay packages. When you get that proxy card from your stockbroker or company, don't throw it away! Vote against excessive executive compensation.