I am going to try to keep this as vague as I can to avoid backlash. I work for a popular camping retailer in the US and have been working for them for over 5 years. Today, our store had a sit-down with our regional director, not everyone was scheduled and many did not even know that it was happening. During this sit-down many employees brought up the fact that we do not get paid a living wage, full-time employees cannot afford rent much less part-timers (mostly students). When asked, our retail director responded, “We cannot control the economy or inflation. If you want more money find a different job. You will never make a living wage working at this company.” (direct quote). Our company has been in the news recently as a large store is attempting to unionize, mostly due to underpayment and lack of transparency from corporate and upper management. In fact, a higher up at the company was quoted as saying that we are “privileged” to work for the company that does not respect us or our livelihood. This company makes its money off of employee expertise and our hands-on approach with customers to ensure they have the best outdoor experience possible. Despite this, employees receive no benefits for our hard work and we are the reason the company makes any money at all. This company pretends to care about equity, inclusion, and diversity but behind the scenes tells a different story. I believe a change is soon coming in which retail employees will unionize and I hope big retailers are scared. Employees have had enough.