Mr Agincourt, I see what you are saying but don't quite know why??? If you are telling us that if we don't like it then we can leave, then you have the problem. People ARE leaving, not quite in droves, but getting critical. Units in this part of the world (not us) are going off line REGULARLY because no pilot is available to cover the shift. Traditionally, direct employ has had much better pay and conditions..... However, no names, but one company has just given its pilots a SUBSTANTIAL pay increase, yesterday actually. This brings us (whoops) close to the direct employ salaries. That is enough to keep me from looking elsewhere for the time being. I too, LOVE flying, but I hate to be ripped off. We don't ask the earth, just to be fair and equal to our peers.