Direct entry and seniority in aviation
The current system in many airlines upgrading f/os to captains and not taking DECs is the most damaging to pilots, period! Airline managements milk it to the fullest, keeping the pilot workforce in subservience. If there is an open market for pilots, free market dynamics will keep salaries, T & Cs and perks up to reflect worldwide demand. Of course there are those who will argue that third world pilots will flood the market...absolute hogwash! Other professions progress but professional pilots stick to this archaic regressive system. Imagine a chartered accountant having to start as an audit clerk when he move company or a top lawyer restarting as an articled clerk or a brain surgent beginning a new life as an intern!
Pilots sticking to the seniority system are like the Japanese " sarariman " s expecting a cradle to grave job security in return for eternal servitude and loyalty. These blokes have no confidence in their ability and hide behind, as jandakotcruiser alluded to, a feudal system with fortresses to protect their pathetic selves from competition. Hey, " the best man wins ' are what they preach BUT NEVER PRACTISE. The hypocricy of the remnants of the East India Company.......free trade, they admonish but then erect barriers like embargos, tariffs, farm/industry subsidies, etc. Likewise when CX, BA, QF, RBA pilots leave to other airlines they demand direct entry but back in their former turfs they fight tooth and nail to maintain their castles and fortresses. Plain greed, lack of confidence and absolutely no sense of natural justice! Bombs away! Flame away guys