Any FO that joined prior to 2003 was hard done by, as they were lied to about DECs not taking any command opportunities away from them, when it was quite obvious it was going to happen. These guys had the goal posts well and truly moved on them, and had a just complaint.
The FO that joined after 2003 knew what the situation was and still decided to join. What is happening now is just a continuation of what started back then, but now effects them (new joiner post 2003), when they thought it would only be the other guy (pre 2003). The Que jumping referred to here has been occurring since 2001 when command criteria was changed after the gulfair accident. So nothing is different now to when these guys joined. Yes the numbers are different, but the net effect is the same.
The upgrade criteria is not part of your contract, so its change is not a breach of contract. So far I believe the DEWA billing is the only contract breach.
The Don