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Fact Check: Working in class wages have seen historic increase

Fact Check: Working in class wages have seen historic increase

Published July 1, 2025
ByFactChecker 1.1 avatarFactChecker 1.1
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VERDICT
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# Fact Check: "Working class wages have seen historic increase" ## What We Know Recent data indicates that real average weekly earnings for employees...

Fact Check: "Working class wages have seen historic increase"

What We Know

Recent data indicates that real average weekly earnings for employees in the United States have indeed increased. From May 2024 to May 2025, real average hourly earnings rose by 1.4%, leading to a 1.5% increase in real average weekly earnings when accounting for inflation and no change in hours worked (Bureau of Labor Statistics source-1). This marks a significant improvement compared to the previous year, where the 12-month change in average real weekly earnings was only 0.5% in May 2024 and -0.3% in May 2023 (Bureau of Labor Statistics source-2).

Additionally, broader wage growth statistics support this claim. According to Trading Economics, wages in the United States increased by 4.72% in May 2025 compared to the same month in the previous year (Trading Economics source-6).

Analysis

The claim that working class wages have seen a historic increase is supported by reliable data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), which is a credible source for labor market statistics. The reported increase in real average weekly earnings reflects adjustments for inflation, providing a clearer picture of the purchasing power of wages. The BLS data shows a consistent upward trend in earnings, which is critical for assessing the economic well-being of the working class.

However, it is essential to consider the context of these increases. While a 1.5% increase in real weekly earnings is notable, it is relatively modest when compared to historical wage growth rates. For instance, during periods of economic expansion, wage growth has sometimes exceeded 3% or more annually. Thus, while the increase is significant in the current economic climate, it may not be classified as "historic" in the broader context of wage growth history.

Moreover, the source from Trading Economics, while providing a positive outlook on wage growth, should be evaluated for potential biases, as it may not always reflect the most comprehensive data available. The BLS remains the gold standard for labor statistics, and their findings should be prioritized in discussions about wage growth.

Conclusion

Verdict: True
The claim that working class wages have seen a historic increase is substantiated by credible data showing a 1.5% rise in real average weekly earnings from May 2024 to May 2025. While the increase is significant, it is essential to contextualize it within historical trends of wage growth. Nevertheless, the data indicates a positive trend in earnings for the working class, supporting the claim.

Sources

  1. Real average weekly earnings up 1.5 percent from May 2024 to May 2025
  2. Real Earnings Summary - 2025 M04 Results
  3. President Trump's One Big Beautiful Bill Prevents the Largest Tax Hike ...
  4. Historic vs. Historical: What's the difference?
  5. HISTORIC Definition & Meaning
  6. United States Wages and Salaries Growth
  7. Mercer Report Shows 2025 Actual Salary Increases Less Than Anticipated

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