It's true that retailers don't pay much and treat their employees like shit. I used to work at Target and that was one of the shittiest jobs I had. (Except for the time I worked at Chuck E. Cheese, but that's a
whole 'nother story.)
I happened to luck out and I work at a grocery store (Schnuck's) with a strong union (Local 881) And I'm guaranteed pay raises after working for a certain number of hours. Lots of protection from being wrongfully unemployed as well. Sure, they take a few bucks out of my paycheck but it's my strong belief that it's well worth it.