… do you have the definition of “real” and “nominal” backwards?
Real wages are down. Specifically: prices are up 8.26%, and the raise was more like 5.5% ish. People can afford less rent. People can afford less food. People can afford less fuel. People can afford fewer goods. People can afford fewer services. People can afford less of everything. This is what “poorer” looks like.
(And remember, that isn’t 2.6% less discretionary income, that’s a total-income figure.)
Real wages are down. Specifically: prices are up 8.26%, and the raise was more like 5.5% ish. People can afford less rent. People can afford less food. People can afford less fuel. People can afford fewer goods. People can afford fewer services. People can afford less of everything. This is what “poorer” looks like.
(And remember, that isn’t 2.6% less discretionary income, that’s a total-income figure.)