The unemployment in the economy drove job owners to be extremely tasking of their workers

This is actually their strength. Those 'employed' are even grossly underpaid despite working in a Terrible environment. This will sadly continue as long as man exists.
The employers know if they continue with the peanuts pay and maintain a hostile environment, the chances of one having a financial independence or intellectual capacity to start one's business are slim which will reduce competition for them and help them maintain their bossy status.