While the auto workers appear to be stalled, other unions are making significant wage gains, even in hard-hit industries. The A.F.L.-C.I.O. figures that wage increases this year are running close to last year's high level. Washington's independent Bureau of National Affairs examined the 943 wage agreements signed from Jan. 1 to May 1, found that about one-fourth brought hourly boosts of 13¢ or more, another fourth won 10¢ to 12¢, another fourth got 7¢ to 9¢ while the rest got 1¢ to 6¢.
Many more increases are coming. Under existing long-term contracts, rail workers will get a 7¢ boost this November, on...