Its all part of the long term erosion of benefits for airline pilots/staff. I've never used staff travel at my current work as its just all too hard and I can't be bothered dealing with the arrogance of the admin aviation ring-ins. I pay full fare every single time and on a year to year basis and it costs thousands. It has a massive impact as I don't see friends and family anywhere near as much as I would if i could.
I listen to collegues who've been in the industry for 20 or 30 years and they tell me what it was like 'back in the day' - I shake my head and wonder. I think if you want this to change you need to make it one of the points in your future eba discussions.
Good luck.