Relatively speaking pay is increasing. People in the working generations are happier. You can not talk 80% of the public into being happier with less pay.
Pay is directly correlated with health outcomes. We can look at ghetto average pay rates and see huge stress levels, horrible behaviors, and much lower longevity rates.
If you do not believe me ask the younger generations in your own family if they would live in a ghetto because they would thrive. You seem to think it makes no difference. I bet you get a few looks at the dinner table. It is not okay for the next guy.