My company meeting just concluded about 10 minutes before writing this. Our product prices have increased over 40% this quarter compared to this time last year and we produced the most amount of product last quarter than any other quarter in the 25 years this company has been here. When someone said “we can't pay rent, when is our raises coming??” the plant manager cackled and said, “your cost of living adjustment will come in March just like it does every year.” No raises, even though $16.50 in my small town, with overtime, doesn't pay all of my bills and most of my peers' bills.
What a joke. The rest of the places in my small town pay about the same, maybe a little less. Meanwhile I can't afford the surgery I need, as well as rent to live on my own.