To give you an example - I wanted a raise last month, so I scheduled a performance review with my superior and brought facts to the table - the value that I added to the company since joining, and my achievements in a nutshell, to which he agreed, and without even asking, he gave me a 10% raise. I worked hard for that 10% raise, and I had to prove my worth with numbers and facts, and although my job can be hybrid, I worked from home for maybe 10 days total, mostly due to health issues.
My point is - all these public employees that want a wage increase should first go through a performance review, simply showing your face at the office or in a Zoom meeting from home is not enough to qualify for it. It should be based on merit, not inflation. If you're on top of your job, sure, take the 13.5% raise, no problem!
This whole thing actually made me consider applying for public sector jobs since they have more benefits, better hours, vacation, and job security than my current one.