Sentence:  In this model , then , the industry is presumed to realize that they could successfully resist a change in the basic wage <WSD>rate</WSD> , but since such a change is the only effective means to raising prices they may , in circumstances to be spelled out in Part 2 , below , find it to their advantage to allow the wage rise . 
Meaning of the word marked with <WSD> tags:  amount of a charge or payment relative to some basis