Between 1979 and 2024, productivity in the U.S. soared by 80.9%, while hourly pay grew by just 29.4%, according to research by the Economic Policy Institute.
But more recently, some economists have suggested that deliberate policy decisions have actively suppressed workers' wage growth.
According to the Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco, the natural rate of unemployment has hovered between 4.5% and 5.5% throughout history.
But since 1979, the U.S. has spent far more time with actual unemployment well above that estimated natural rate.
Watch the video above to find out how middle-class wages are being suppressed.
Persons:
Josh Bivens
Organizations:
Economic, Institute, Federal Reserve Bank of San
Locations:
U.S, Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco