NF,
I think you misunderstand the term contract pilot (?) A contract pilot does not go to an airline interview offering him/herself for a time-limited period (may be some do, but I doubt it). A time-limited contract is offered, most of the time, via a Crew Leasing Agency on behalf of the airline. The reason for an airline to do this can be lack of qualified pilots for a peak period (summer season for charter operators) or like for SAS Commuter; lack of qualified FCs.
Your comment about the need for a secure environment; I left one of Europe`s most secure environments 6 years ago for a career (if that what you call it)as a contract pilot, and I have never looked back. Honestly.
Another side to a base in TOS. May be the location is a reason for lack of FCs? If so, may be SAS Commuter and the union should put their heads together and do some fire-fighting until they have enough qualifed FO`s to fill the gap?
As long as a contract pilot does not stop any of the permanent employed FOs from promotion (and in TOS that is not the case), what is than the problem? The Union?
[ 07 August 2001: Message edited by: LimaNovember ]