When I see stories like this my first thought is that the complaint is not about the money as much as about recognition and status in one's work place. Companies go to great lengths to recognize the achievements of their workers with cheesey awrads and certificates but pay in comparison to your peers till counts. 

Grossly underpaid workers grieve or leave. This worker is at the point where the pay differential is affecting their attitude and they are considering leaving. However, just jumping to another job with better pay is not enough. This is an opportunity for them to look not just for a job that pays better but for a better overall job.