Think all employed as pilots, will look back at this period (accelerated by Ryanair), as a time of change.
Can I throw a spanner in the works? How much are captains of eg. QE2/large cruise ships paid?
I hate referring back to the UBIQUITOUS Ryanair, but you have to look at the MD's business plan to comprehend WHY t's and C's are going downhill, never to return...
Step into his shoes. 'He' thinks of you as 'drivers', that is it.
What you as FR employee's need to do is convince him that you need 'treating?' better than taxi drivers - this will not happen soon, as future employee's are still chomping at the bit to work for this airline-for free/pay him.