I agree, as I've said before, the vast majority of BACON pilots have no gripe with anyone at the sharp end in FlyBe. We all do the same job be it on a Q400, a 145, a 146 or a 195. It is rediculous in this day and age that there is still the vast salary difference between the jet and the TP especially when, revenue wise in a company like FlyBe, they are earning similar £/mile/seat revenue for the company. The reason for the (completely illegal by the way) square bond is that FlyBe know how unhappy their new recruits are going to be very quickly. That's like confessing "We are crap we will treat you like S**t !"
The other load of rubbish is that giving the crews stable rosters is inefficient and costs the company money! What costs companies money is crewing fire fighting. The most efficient and cheapest way to run an airline is crew it properly, roster it efficiently and "FLY THE PLAN !". Ok that is not always possible people do go sick, but, you should have adequate stand by cover. If sickness is excessive then your problem isn't sickness ! I remember when BACX crewing were essentially operating CWL and BRS as one crew base. It was not unusual to have BRS crews flying from CWL and CWL crews flying from BRS all as changes and fleets of taxis shuttling between the two.
The reason most BACON pilots want out is that they don't want to go back to that and from the outside that is how it looks. If you want to live somewhere specific like IOM, SOU, etc.. you will put up with a lot to stay at home, but, if you live in the midlands or Manchester there are just so many more possibilities. If you are going to be messed about at least the financial compensation will be worth it !
BACON pilots don't have anything against FlyBe it's just that all FlyBe are offering is Less Money for More Work for Less Life and no career progression for any current Captain. The future may not be bright but at least it will be more comfortable moaning from the RHS of a 319 !
If FlyBe want more to stay they are going to have to start seriously looking at how they are approaching, not just us but their current workforce as well. At the moment it is a pilot's market. My advice is find where you want to be in five years and get there now before it all changes. If FlyBe management are treating the workforce badly now, wait until things change - and they will !
Good Luck to all !