Actually, most professors are not in almost identical situations because 1) professors do not work the same hours either in amount, or in time of day, or holidays, weekends, etc.  2) most professors I know get pensions and/or benefits as part of their union negotiated package, which brings me to 3) professors have unions and go on strike if they do not get some agreeable compromises to their demands. 

In Manitoba, however, the professors and doctors are now in the same boat in one respect -- the government has decided not to negotiate in good faith with anyone. 

Interestingly, the City of Winnipeg is still giving increases while the province is promising wage freezes and fee freezes for 4 years.