Nothing that Skippers are doing in recent times, in my opinion is legally binding. They are shooting themselves in the foot and will continue to lose pilots. Guys/Girls that pay for their endorsements ($8500) and get a command endorsement are being asked to pay out their bond for the upgrade, even though the AWA states 'where you already hold an endorsement relative to the upgrade (ie. FO -> Capt) you are not required to pay'.
The result? They dock you of your final pay. Let's not let this continue.