The difference is pilots are in a seniority based job/industry. A pilot cannot move to another airline for the same or better pay like almost every other job. Starting at the bottom again means a cut in pay, conditions, and possible career progression. I’m not saying to abolish the seniority system (though it does have its pros and cons) but whilst pilots operate under one, management know the majority of pilots won’t walk because of the risks and consequences.
Without the threat of pilots moving from airline to airline, management know the pilot group have little to no leverage. The only pilots that can influence are the newbies on where they pick but shiny jet syndrome virtually nullifies that.
I didn't think Alliance had strict seniority as every different base is a different EBA?