of course wage rises were limited due to the problem that if given sufficient to match the temporary inflation rate the rises would have triggered higher inflation through increased spending.
haven't you heard Chalmers' explanation of the wage rises?
so of course wage rises haven't "kept up with cost of living". would you approve if workers had been given 10% rises? it would have been catastrophic for the economy and made cost of living even higher.
ps I note you still haven't provided your source for your earlier dubious claim.