The issue in my case is that the opportunities are limited based on location. Workers in this town should be making MORE than average owing to lack of benefits that a big city has.

Theirs a reason they pay as little as they do. The 'good' talent leaves for higher paying jobs elsewhere. It's a self perpetuating problem.

I read an article just the other day about a group of IT workers who attempted to form a union - that didn't go well. I'd be all in.