I will keep this in mind if I am seeking work in the US.

I can understand why retail and restaurant workers are unionizing also. Unfortunately, your issue is as manager and they cannot unionize.

I have heard of Restaurant Managers in New Jersey who had quit as managers (even owners) and returned to waiting tables because they made more in tips than in management.

This situation your are in is scary. Then again, employees' rights have never been favourable if it means less profit. Welcome to our capitalist culture. Production is more important than the people producing.