1: these gains came during the biggest economic expansion in U.S. history--they will as quickly be lost should a long recession/unemployment follow 2: these gains came on the heels of a huge setback for the working class, starting in the seventies 3: wage gains don't mean much given the inflation or outright unavailability of other, basic human needs: health, education, housing being foremost. 4: working class organizations/unions have suffered severe setbacks in the same period. 5. the social safety net has been taken away in the same period
Don't let them fool you. When I look back on my father's situation as a unionized worker in the sixties/seventies, it seems like a socialist fantasy compared to my situation as a "hi tech privileged" worker in the new millenium. I can give provide more details if anyone is interested.
Joanna