Stan woolley
Yes, the F/Os have had a crap deal, brought about because the incumbent pilots did not protect them, and in fact are getting more of the same, because the latest i have heard on the grapevine is that there has been an opportunistic raid on new captains' salaries, with a new lower baseline salary being applied. Of course, this was not mentioned in the latest sham of a pay and condition 'negotiation' (ie do you want a small paycut, or a large one), because when it suits the company and they think they can get away with it, they bypass the ERC system at will. Therefore, the F/Os that took the substantial paycuts 'to improve the cpts pay' now find they won't be getting any of that improvement when they do make the right seat.
Anyway, now that the cpts starting basic is back below 50 grand, where it was in the late '90s (more money without BALPA lads, to be sure), and a first officer at thomson or BA is on about that money from day one, what is the point in going for the right seat in ryanair anyway, rather than leaving at the first opportunity. Once you factor in the reduced salary, sector pay and the extra expense and hassle of a guaranteed base move (a friend of mine was told 'your choice is any base except your current one'), you are in a break even situation at best moving to the left.
But let me guess, Stan, you're all right jack. I'm supposed to take my pay cut like a good lad and shut up, is that it?