FACT: There are many senior REX Captains that wish(ed) to stay.
Why?? -- they accepted the reduced pay (conditions) for the lifestyle working in a regional afforded them.
This was until about 2-3 years ago, where most rosters involved 50-60 hours flying, many 2 sector days, 4 overnights and (some) appreciation from the Company.
What's changed?? -- the Companies view to the individual as a number to be worked as hard as possible. Rosters are always approx 80-90 hours stick time, 7-8 overnights and absolutely no appreciation from the top down.
Many are waking up to their old defense of
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"Why would I work for DJ/JQ and get flogged, when I can stay here and have my family life, etc..."
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holds no relevance as they are being flogged just as much, but for half the money. And to put up with keeping an eye on 700 hour CPL's, not that's it's their fault. In my day REX was a 3000-4000 hour job. And yes, I do believe that most 4000 hour pilots are more switched on than 700 hour CPL's.
That is all.