The amazingly sad fact is that the cost of aircrew compared to the total operating costs of the aircraft have dropped over the past few years.
To save a few dollars with a slight pay cut reinforces to these guys that it can be done again and again when it suits them.
The sad fact is that ultimately they will get exactly what they pay for.
And who will be the first to point the finger when something goes horribly wrong?
Lets just hope it will never come to this.