In the article, Greg Jericho highlights the troubling trend of stagnant real wage growth in Australia, noting that since 2025, wages have grown at a slower rate than inflation. This discrepancy means that workers are losing purchasing power, affecting their economic well-being. Jericho emphasizes that the recent decision by the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) to increase interest rates further punishes workers, placing the blame for inflation on them despite the fact that wages are not the root cause of rising prices.

Jericho recalls that there has not been significant wage growth since his primary school days, describing the enduring struggle facing Australian workers who feel that the economic system is unfairly stacked against them. He points out that the RBA's policies, aimed at controlling inflation, have resulted in increasing unemployment and further stifling wage growth, which perpetuates the cycle of economic insecurity for many households. The RBA's view, indicating that the labour market remains tight and that unit labour costs are high, suggests a belief that wage pressures are not sufficient to foster real growth in employee compensation.

The implications of these policies are extensive, suggesting a systemic issue in how the economy rewards work and compensates its workforce. As wages fail to keep pace with living costs, many Australians might increasingly feel disenfranchised in a system that seems rigged against them. This sentiment has the potential to influence social and political movements, as workers demand fairer wages and economic policies that prioritize their well-being and purchasing power.