The problem isn't the low cost carriers. It's the fact that they force other companies that don't have the same structure into doing things they can't afford.
The low cost carriers have basically very streamlined operations. As long as pilots stopped paying for their company training, I couldn't complain about it.
But as things are now, we are paying for jo-schmo's ticket. Ask a welder or a car mechanic how much it would cost him to get a job in the company next door. They'll probably look at you as if you were an idiot. But try getting a job with Ryan Air. It costs something like 200 euros just to send in the application. And then another xxxx euros to complete the training, pay for uniform etc.
I'm not going to start the usual rant. I paid for my TR so I've done wrong just like many others.
But the real problem is when high cost carriers try to emulate the low cost concept. Then it isn't just a nuicence to the employees, it becomes dangerous. Flight safety becomes the main area in which management who only sees costs and numbers, concentrate their efforts to save costs. At least it's like that in my company. We struggle to maintain a decent level of safety, but I'm affraid were loosing.
The only solution is that every pilot realises that this is only a job and not anything more. It's not a recreational interest or a hobby. It's something that pays bills. The companies know that we love to fly and that we would sell our parents to get the chance to handle a big jet. Don't let them have the satisfaction of offering a free ticket on your expense! My wish is for every pilot to know his/her value and not to sell out to a lower price. Many of our companies are a fundamental part of infrastructure and we are part of that infrastructure.
/LnS