Hmmm, I think you are mischaracterizes what happened. The manager was the one whining, and gaslighting. It says nothing about the letter writer going to other employees.
Employees cannot run the business.
No, but what you are advocating kind of sounds like communism. Companies that won't pay for performance will be left in the dust. You can't be forced to work for one company all your life. You are talking about the new DEI companies. You aren't allowed to ask for a raise, because that would be unfair to some women. If a company doesn't believe in competition, they can expect failure.
“No, but what you are advocating kind of sounds like communism.”
No. Capitalism. The owner runs the business, not the employees. Trouble makers get canned. They are a cancer to the business. She is free to ask for more money and the boss is free to choose who he or she wants working at that business.
If I’m the boss and any employee comes to me and says, “if you don’t give me more money I’m going to find another job.” My response is, “have a great life.” Occasionally you will have an employee who can’t be replaced, but it is rare. I believe Cam Newton just experienced this scenario.