> If you can't pay people what they deserve, I think you should accept death

Sorry but if they "deserve" more money they should find a job where they would be payed that. As an employee it's your own responsibility not to get screwed by your employer. If they decide not to pay you, leave.

The same goes for the employer. It's their responsibility to not "accept death". Accepting death is the mindset that will almost always lead to failure.