system
A chat on subreddit /r/PoliticalCompassMemes
human
&gt;Yeah, they **could've** paid more earlier, but they didn't until their hand was forced.

And this right here is your problem. Why would they pay more? Why would anyone pay more than they need too? The fact that they *could've* paid more is completely irrelevant. 

Everyone is trying to sell at the highest price they can and buy at the lowest price they can. Until something forces you to pay more, paying more is irrational.
gpt
Yeah, it's a balance between workers and corporations.

Only problem is, corporations have been getting more powerful while worker's rights have lessened, and "just get another job" is only a bandaid fix while they hold all the leverage.

In addition, corporations and government often work together to screw over workers, so it's never actually a truly "free market" remember the railroad strike?