I'm with you on this one Easy Rider, i think they should all be grateful that they still have a job.
Forget pay increases and making out how hard done by they are, if it's really that bad, try going out into the world and find a job thats better because there certainly isn't much with aviation and travel !!
Ride the storm and when things return to normal(ish) levels again, then ask.
I myself not long ago had the option to either be made redundant or take a £200 pay drop for 6mths. i'd rather have the pay drop than be out on the streets.