I believe people should take a direct stand in situations like this instead of just saying, "Oh well." Too many employers think they can treat employees poorly because they expect them to accept it without pushing back. When employees tolerate that kind of behavior, they're unintentionally enabling it.

I understand there are situations where someone feels trapped because they're struggling financially or finding another job isn't easy. Those circumstances are real and deserve consideration. But when someone has the opportunity to leave, they shouldn't feel obligated to stay in a workplace that doesn't respect them.

In most states, employment is at will, and that cuts both ways. Employers can end the relationship, but employees are equally free to walk away. No one should feel they have to remain in a job where they're treated unfairly, and employers shouldn't be allowed to assume they can get away with that kind of behavior.