Personally I think they already get great value from their crew, how many companies have people happy to come to work, glad to clean a toilet, smile and every person that walks into your workplace etc...?. Cut the wage to the bare minimum and you'll only ever be able to hire people who will work to the bare minimum. I'd hate to see a great brand go under this way. The love of flying only keeps people in it for so long. Sooner or later they have to pay their bills, save for their retirement and pay a mortgage.
Cut costs where it doesn't show. Become more efficient managers, use technology to make gains. Don't skimp on your crew. That would be like skimping on seat covers. Everyone will notice the difference very quickly.
You can't direct someone to have a positive attitude, take the initiative and look after your interests. Those qualities have to be in the person first and people with those qualitites have many options in life. They will go where the money goes.