It's true that everybody is replaceable, including the boss

So our negotiation power is all down to one fact: how easily you can be replaced?

There's no justice in workplace. For the boss, they only see costs. When the market is good, they don't care. Money is not an issue. But when the market is down, costs are the biggest concern.

But luckily for employees, we have choice. Ppl always argue what is the market rate. But nobody's stupid, if you can't find a higher offer, your project won't be shattered when you are not there, then what you got is market rate. : )