The problem in Europe has been that politcally Pilots tend to be center right and are reluctant militants, this has allowed some extremely ruthless management types to take advantage.
Too true. Pilots are reluctant to face the fact that the only way to ensure good T&Cs is to negotiate hard as a UNION.
Trying to be "professionals" (pseudo managers) and being part of an association, rather than a union, always results in glee and mirth amongst real management. True or not, Leo,Willy?
Until pilots are able to understand that you do not get what you are worth, but what you negotiate for, the downward trend will continue.
And by negotiate I do not mean militant strikes, etc, I mean a well thought out campaign with proactive
PR, economic analysis, effective internal and external communication, and above all commitment by the membership.
It sounds so easy, but it is incredibly hard to restrain disagreements due to narrow self-interest.