When I joined, BOAC VC10 Skip got 5000 a year. Second Officer got 1800 a year but went, purely on 6 months fixed term to First Officer on 3000 a year. Annual increments rewarded loyalty. F/O's faced an "ALTP Bar". After five years or so, no ALTP (called ATP now) you hit the bar and stayed on your salary scale for life. No long service increments Now, it was that simple. I am just wondering if, as pilots, through organized groups like Labour Party supporting Trade Unions, have we not messed this all up for ourselves. Of course BA Management have every right to laugh their socks off. Indeed, all, so-called "BALPA" company's Management knew where it would go & laughed their socks off. Non Union companies served up, often better, T&C's and there was regular movement to them from BA.
BALPA was an outlet for those with excess energy unable to enjoy a pretty good deal anyway. Here's the result.