I don't know where the "inflation raises" concept seeped into the public's mind. The raises are raises. They are typically 2-4% regardless of whatever else is going on in the world. The MTA is trying to smash up to 5%-6% a year raises, but every town is pushing back. This is why there have been some strikes lately and I predict there will be more. Towns aren't going to pony up 5-6% per year.