I'm doubting you've been part of a salary negotiation in a long time. But let's cover the 4 possibilities, just to show how empty your assertion is...
1. Applicant shares demand, Employer does not give a counter - The employer is free to reject the demand, and the applicant, are they not? Or in your world, must Employers cave in to all applicant demands?
2. Applicant does not share demand, Employer does not share the starting salary - The employer is thus left to assign the salary, and failing to give what it gives to others opens them up to discrimination lawsuits. What business will open itself up to that risk for no actual gain?
3. Employer gives salary offer, applicant does not counter - Hiring is done.
4. Both give a number, and they freely decide whether to counter, meet in the middle, or part ways due to unmet expectations. No Hire made, both parties have equal power.
Which one is the one that you wish to whine about?
“I’m doubting you’ve been part of a salary negotiation in a long time”
Well, you’re an idiot so I expect you would think such a thing. A teacher doesn’t negotiate anything any. They are union mentality workers and are not versed in the ways of the free market.
Your support of such things as salary price fixing says everything we need to know about you.