Movin' up,
Are these guys permanent employees of BHA or Contractors/Casuals?? If they are the former then that is pretty bad. If they are the latter then that's the chance or path you take when you choose to accept the terms and conditions offered as contractor/casual employee. These terms and conditions are usually better to compensate for the lack of permanence or long term security.
Please corrct me if I'm wrong.
I remember when the contractor/casual captain positions were available with BHA not too long ago and they looked pretty attractive. I chose to stay where I am to keep a permanent job.