Hand Solo...
LAE's are, by rights, the top of the airline "food chain"...Its very simple, No LAE's = no servicable aircraft = no pilots, cabin crew, or anyone else for that matter!! It is about time they received the status and salary they deserve, but while they are represented by the same union that represents electricians/plumbers/car mechanics it ain't going to happen!!
Yes, you are absolutely right, maintenance engineers should receive a modest salary to start off with, but ONLY if the scale eventually progresses to something HALF DECENT, which it does NOT do at the moment. I believe that experienced LAE's are worth every bit as much as a senior captain, and should be paid accordingly!
I'm on the side of improved pay/conditions for ALL pilots and engineers, while many who post here are obviously not!! Looks like the "I'm alright jack, so f**k you" mentality is alive and well in the airline business!!