It doesn’t need to be said these are related, it’s obvious.
What you see from food industry apologists is the tale the consumer demands cheaper product. It’s rubbish and a getout for pedalling sub standard stuff and treating staff like crap. People buy what is available, the main driver is greed for excess profit.
As an aside, I am very much prepared to pay more for improved working conditions should that be normal in our society, but not for lining the pockets of executives, bullying management and shareholders.