they are upgrading Y class pax (Asiamiles etc) ahead of staff holding J tickets. Isn't that not supposed to happen?
I think you'll find that revenue Y pax upgrading to J at check-in by either paying money or using Asia Miles do get on ahead of ID. They are not supposed to give free upgrades to revenue Y pax and then downgrade an staff traveller who has presented a J ticket. (which they've been caught doing a few times)
I'm sorry Iron Skillet, I'm with Spanner on that one. I agree with your comment about salary for different skill level, but staff travel benefits is a company wide benefit. Personally I have no problem with any colleague, regardless of job title, getting a seat ahead of me based on date of joining.