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Now include profit (surplus) in your analysis.

Wage grow has not kept pace with corporate profitability. Why?




Because the correct comparison would be with total compensation, of which wages are only a portion.

Total compensation is the costs to an employer to hire some one. It includes:

1. contributions to retirement plans

2. so-called "employer paid" social security contributions

3. sick and paid vacation days

4. employer paid health insurance

5. stock plans

6. 401k plans

7. other payroll taxes

Last time I checked, these often added 40% or more over the takehome pay.

Also, the pay is based on the value the employee as an individual provides, not the value the company as a whole created. Just like the compensation for pro football players varies in a single team.


Beyond Social Security contributions, which is legally mandated, most workers don't get the remaining items on your list. (And #7 is just double-counting #2.)

It's like saying, a CEO gets a housing allowance and travel allowance and can expense most of their meals, so the entry level worker is doing okay.


Am corrected. Updated question:

Now include profit (surplus) in your analysis.

Total compensation has not kept pace with corporate profitability. Why?

--

> Just like the compensation for pro football players varies in a single team.

Then why do professional athletes have unions?




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