Originally Posted by
TheBaron Deux
The problem with that set of facts is Tony neglects to include the notes and FAQ's from the BLS site. 17.2464% is in fact the CPI from November of 2020 until June 2023. But if you read the methodology notes, that represents an increase in the Market Basket of Goods and Services of approximately $12,277. I'm certain that the lowest pay raise from the TA provided quite a bit more than that. CPI is a government tool based on "Average" consumers (those with a 2021 median income of $70,784/household) and doesn't reflect inflation for those of us in the upper 2-3%.
Not sure you are not doing your math correctly. The $12k increase is the increased cost for a family with the median income of $71k. That's where they get the CPI rate. If you make more, you probably also spend more, thus your inflation expense (12K in this average example) would also be higher. If your Market Basket of Goods and Services spending is 300k over three years; then you spent an extra 51k than you would have prior to Nov 2020. The CPI gives you an "idea" at best how inflation is effecting the population. It varies by region/state/local, etc. Some areas will be higher, some lower. I'd guess the company negotiator will try to use the CPI for Memphis and hopefully we use the CPI for ALPA HQ/NYC/SFO, etc.
I think the main point was: it is not a pay raise, but an inflation adjustment.