Originally Posted by
atakacs
As a complete outsider I muss say that I am somewhat baffled by the recurring complaints I read here about EK for many years now.
if things are as terrible as reported (and I don't really doubt it) how is it that they still manage to operate? Where they so much out of the market?
Because the seniority system of compensation at every world airline makes lateral movement increasingly difficult with age. As you get older, you hang on to the relatively higher pay that you currently have rather than starting over at "Year Zero" pay and benefits elsewhere. Unlike other white-collar professions, long experience does not offer a negotiating position for salary and benefits if making a move.
Therefore, many find it still best to stay, though the reality of that despite years of shafting make it a bitter pill to swallow - hence the venting on forums such as here.