HDP - thin end of the wedge.
The DFO's recent statement regarding the cabin crew mentioned that the company now employ 60% of cabin crew on Hourly Duty Pay.
Several years ago the company also introduced HDP for flight crew. At that time it was in lieu of a pay rise. There has been no payrise since.
This is merely a start. HDP is not provident fundable. Future pay rises are likely to be only to the HDP component of salary.
Consider ourselves in 10 - 15 years from now. Inflation will have eroded basic salary much further than it already has, making it simply a "retainer" portion of annual income. HDP will be the bulk of our income.
During a downturn, the company will not need to offer SLS, they will simply roster less hours. Being unfit for duty will have no impact on the company, you will just earn less.
For a sneak preview of how this will all work, just speak to one of the 60% of cabin crew who have now found themselves on this system. Don't think it won't have to us. It already has. We are all currently on it, only the thin end. Many US Majors are paid HPD with no other component to their pay as standard practice.