No a grade 3 lame is gambling on extra % increase and also the 3 training points to bring him in line with existing lames and above a level 13 avionics ame.
The tradition of getting less second time around is one that we brought apon ourselves and is one that we can change if we took a stronger line and negotiated more proffesionally.
By the way the $600 gross increase is only looking at one years gain. You would be getting that $600 each year + when you go up a grade you would be getting the equivilent 1% more etc.
Your maths needs work.
Times the increase by the number of years you expect to work here.