Bloggs, you DID receive the newsletter from the AOA detailing the differences (substantial) in pay between a LON based VS crew and CXF crew at all ranks, didn't you? The numbers 43% and 20% spring to mind. I can assure you that if it went to the AOA membership, NR read it too - he knows the shortfall exists.
CX are struggling to find crew on bases, the wash rate on both interviews is staggering, and it's a little-concealed "secret" that many crew on the B74F are leaving or planning to leave...as soon as they get their call from UPS/FEDEX/UA/DL etc...
Our training machine is unable to keep up with aircraft deliveries. Oasis is draining whatever slack was out there and are grabbing many retirees, even calling guys at home - their DFO, AB, is mates with many potential OASIS new joiners. Don't forget that every 55-er that O8 grabs is one less extendee for Cathay.
Korean and Asiana are offering substantially improved contracts with major inducements like $$, days off and crew makeup. Rumour has it that even EK will have a much-improved package in the offering soon, as well as some bases becoming available. I can hear the stampede of hooves already.
I'll wager a significant proportion of my salary that there will be significant improvements on offer from NR soon - for the first time in my 27 year commercial aviation career, the pendulum has finally swung our way.
Just my 02c.