So were those who got a raise, but the company decided to hand out raises as a gift (not as a reward) to lower performers only - of course this discrimination will be frustrating.
What the company was trying to do was correct a perceived culture wrong that some people were compensated less because their job was perceived as less important.
The reality is that those "less important" jobs frequently actually keep businesses running smoothly. Only a smoothly running business can afford to invest in strategy, thus smooth operation should be as important as strategy.
That (^) right there is another "perception" and is increasingly the one reasonable people are adopting EXACTLY because of what Seth notes:
"It's possible to create dignity and be successful at the same time."
Because the frustration came from being treated unfairly by the management, which they've cut ties with. Also, they might earn more at their new jobs now as well.