I agree it is a vocational profession, but when pilots start on 17k p.a., after paying 60k+ for the qualifications, with very little chance of earning big bucks, and little job security, then how long will it last.
Allowing this undermines us all, and we will then start to suffer like the medical profession, when 'cheap' labour from abroad will fill the position.
The seniority system, I agree, reduces the movement of labour, but it also prevents the airlines from always getting rid of the 'expensive' guys at the top of the list, thus undermining any job security. The incremental pay system rewards loyalty and experience, but these too are under attack. Demonstrating the airlines are wanting to remove any 'carrots' no doubt to be replaced with a stick.
Mrs Thatcher's legacy has put unions back, and got rid of things such as secondary picketing, but if we had a union that has strong represntation and commitment from it's members, and was directed exactly what it is to do, then surely conditions will improve eventually for all of us. It has worked well so far for Virgin and North Sea helicopter pilots, why not for all of us?