I understand that very human response and would probably feel it myself, but if your salary is 3x the receptionist's, you're still not technically getting paid

I understand that very human response and would probably feel it myself, but if your salary is 3x the receptionist's, you're still not technically getting paid 3x what he/she does, once you factor in a progressive tax rate and public services that are used disproportionately by lower-income people. What this guy tried to do is in effect just raise the floor of the minimum wage, which is also unfair to you.