BUT....he is getting paid to fly a brand new 737-800 (however low it is!!)
Right here is the ruination of this profession.
The big problem is that once people realise that flying for f**k all pay is a fools game, it's too late, you're already shafted. Who gives a damn if the aeroplane is new or old, or a 737 or a 152, if you're not being treated properly? There is more to life than flying. Flying is a means to an end, nothing more.
You have to understand this: EVERYBODY, EVERY SINGLE PILOT I come across, after a few months flying realises that there is more to life than flying a 737, be shiny, dirty, new or old. They quickly realise that the "privilege" of flying is not a privilege at all, it's just a job, and that they want to be treated properly. Unfortunately their willingness, before they knew better, to accept $hit means that they have already closed the door to being treated properly.
What makes all the current wannabes so arrogant as to believe that they will somehow be different? The naievty and arrogance is stunning. Perhaps if you listened to those who've gone before you, you'd enjoy a better, more rewarding career.
To those who said no to exploitation and near-slavery, well done. You are far more likely to be satisfied in life and in your career. It's almost certain that you will be on large amounts more money a lot sooner than if you joined ryr.
Try EI, they're hiring lots of low-timers at the moment.