As long as supply of workers (i.e., un or underemployed) exceed the demand for labor, the pay rates will never go up. Yes, the Government could “mandate” higher wages, but that will just drive more into the unemployment lines. All this UNLESS the socialist planners of this country tell employers who they can hire and fire and how much they will pay. A revolution will sure to follow.
If the only job that you have the skills to do is retail..well you are stuck with the law of supply and demand. If you want to make more money..work at a more skilled or tougher trade. There are lots of welders, fitters, electrician, skilled machine jobs out there that pay better.
If you are too proud to get dirty..or too lazy to learn a profession or skill..well flip that burger and stock those shelves.
This has been going on for 50 years. Fast food jobs, working at Walmart or Sears are not the path to success. Unless you plan to go into management.