[CountSessine]

and they probably could have solved all their problems by simply requiring that their sole employer just double their pay

Your pay, whether you're a contractor or salaried is more or less related to your leverage with your employer. Was that really their 'sole employer' in their market? If so, they don't have a lot of leverage, and for the sort of work they were doing they probably couldn't expect good pay as salaried labour either.

Don't get yourself into a position where you have a 'sole employer'. Always be prepared to walk.