Why is it we cannot stand up and be counted, like surgeons (who only ever have 1 patient on the table at a time, compared to our pax lists) and earn a decent wage.
Maybe, because surgeons spend 7 years studying, then specialise and work for almost nothing until they have to start their own practice (setup costs upwards of R300k). They only start earning decent money 10 years after starting on the road to professional qualification. I bet that 10 years after starting your CPL, you will be earning R30k per month.
Face it guys, becoming a pilot is not in the same league as doctors or engineers. It is not even as expensive. My B.Eng cost me R150k 11 years ago. I then worked for R4500 per month (about R15k in now money).
By all means, negotiate for a fair wage, but keep in mind that if an airline capt of a 50 seater earns R40k per month to move (70 legs x ave 40 pax) 2800 pax per month, then your 1900 captain should earn (legs x ave load)/2800 x R40k. that might not be a living wage, but it is an economic reality. Obviously these values can be adjusted with ticket/contract income.