So shadow if it takes less time to train for the mine op then why can they demand(and get) the same sort of money as Airline pilots and yet not be burdened with the training cost...................I'll let you in on a little secret..................solidarity.
Until we all(yes thats right,each and everyone of us) belongs to an organization that represents the employee in their T & C's and does so with the employees interests at heart(not the organization/unions continued financial wellbeing) we will continue to get new pilots bargaining with the employer for the opportunity of working for them.
It has nothing to do with training costs, it is all about bargaining/negotiating and the balance of power.