CAR does have a point about the unions being stronger in the 70’s and 80’s, but also the Gov was much more willing to raise minimum wage back then as well.
And people were used to inflation, they expected it.
Now everyone goes through the moon if Costco jeans were to go up 50 cents a pair.
By the way Levi’s were about $16.00 a pair back in the late 70’s, cereal was about the same price as it is now.
Oh, and inflation (wages) they were tied to the price to (BUY) a house, not rent it.