It might be time to quit while you're ahead, Keg.
IndependEnt (there's no "a" in there) can very well mean INDEPENDENT... the COD definiton - or part thereof being, Not depending on others for one's opinion or conduct.
Therefore it is quite plausible that NG may well have conducted his own, independent survey to arrive at the conclusion he has.
In real (aviation) life it is also reasonable to assume that if an employee feels that s/he is being paid less than fair market value, then s/he may well feel less than s/he believes s/he is expected to feel in terms of employee-employer responsibility, ie. the "give-take" factor.
Safety, for professional pilots, will not be a factor, however cost saving/costing strategies may well be.
Swings and roundabouts.
A conscientious, company minded pilot can - in ONE month - make savings equivalent to at least 6 months salary, if so motivated.
According to a recently conducted "independent survey"!!