Why Americans Aren’t Paid Enough

When adjusted for inflation, wages have remained virtually unchanged over the last 50 years, with workers today earning just 12 cents more than they did in 1972. And with inflation at its highest since 1971, Americans are feeling the pain of slow wage growth. Two-thirds of American workers said that inflation has outpaced any salary gains made in the past year. But some economists argue that the concept is merely a myth politicians use to promote their careers. So, how real is wage stagnation in America today and what does it mean for American workers? Watch the video to find out.

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Why Americans Aren’t Paid Enough

[paytonciolli]

I think this is a pretty good way to essentially say that corporate greed is why wages are stagnant. Productivity/profits skyrocketed with tech and companies realized they didn’t have to pay more. Then they realized there were stragies to keep you at the low pay. I think the younger generation is def realizing this and the pandemic just helped.

[kingblicky]

Imagine being broke and these experts say “well you’re not really broke…”

[bernardallen]

Because it immediately affects their level of living, people are impacted by inflation far more swiftly than they are by a stock or real estate market disaster. It is hardly surprising that market sentiment is as gloomy as it is right now. We are in desperate need of your help if we are to survive in this economy.

[bigc]

There was a time in this country where a family of 4 that had a mom, dad and two kids. Dad was a vacuum cleaner salesman, worked Monday-Friday. Mom stayed home and took care of the kids. Dads pay was enough to support the whole family, had some money spend and a little more to put away and save. Dad stayed with the vacuum cleaner company for 30 years and then retired. What the hell happened? Why can’t it still be like that?

[-OSwords]

The fact that we have a "gig economy" & people have to work 3 jobs just to rent with roommates...says it all.

[comfixit]

Any inflation indicator that ignores the fact in the 60s/70s that a middle class worker could support a family on one income owning a house in decent neighborhood vs. today where two middle class workers stretch to make ends meet and a house is a distant dream that says things are holding or improving is not based on reality.

[PatrickLloyd-]

The US economy is grappling with uncertainties, global fluctuations, and pandemic aftermath, causing instability. Rising inflation, sluggish growth, and trade disruptions need urgent attention from all sectors to restore stability and stimulate growth.

[shirleyc]

It’s ridiculous, the sad part is a lot of Americans support corporate greed

[midnull]

My wife just got a 2% raise..when inflation is 9%. Their company productivity went up by 15% this year. She lol'ed with a 2 weeks notice. :)

[RazKun]

I think it was really glossed over how the workload for workers increased far more than their wages. It puts a major toll on our health over many years

[saintgermain]

Why Americans aren't paid enough?.... corporate greed.

[erichkraetz]

You may not have noticed inflation in years past, But 8%+ inflation over the past year should've taught you that the cost of living increases every year (home prices, rent, groceries, plane tickets, home repairs, etc.) Only way to beat inflation is by investing your money

[TheBryguy]

Bottom Line is the cost of living needs to go down, or wages need to actually be adjusted for all of the money factors in people's lives.

[eddie]

I make 65k at my day job and still picked up a second job. Life’s just too expensive now in the last two years

[johnzonker]

100% true...Everything has gone up in my life, except my wages.

[roberthayes]

I was a manager at McDonald's in the late 90s and my pay was enough to cover my mortgage, car payment, insurance, phone Etc. Now me and my wife work and just barely make enough to get by

[ryanjohnson]

I still don't understand the concept of not giving your good employees raises. YOUR EMPLOYEES ARE THE REASON WHY YOUR BUSINESS CONTINUES TO BE SUCCESSFUL. TAKE CARE OF THEM

[bluesdoggg]

The American dream. “You have to be asleep to believe it” -George Carlin

[JamiLandrell]

this year will be a year of severe economic pain all over the nation.. what steps can we take to generate more income during quantitative adjustment?I can't afford my hard-earned $180, 000 savings to turn to dust

[sappersteel]

Worked at a company that had an accountant quit, was told they weren't replacing her. Three months later a manager was promoted and his position was just combined with another manager so that manager's workload doubled. All the while the company has corporate perks like getaways to fancy resorts every quarter for upper management, some of who get to those destinations using one of four company planes. It's about time for a worker revolution.