Bonds and Unions
Bonds are better than SSTR but you have to watch what you sign.
One company bonded for TR but only gave a probationary 1 year contract. A new contract arrived for year 2 but added another bond for no extra training. BALPA were the recognised Union but did nothing. After all it only affected junior FOs on £18k pa.
The IPA legal advisor got involved as one pilot went of to the airlines in year 2. Thereafter he had his bond fees cancelled as legally you could leave after year 1 and not have to repay a penny. This was settled amicably outside of legal action.
In my own experience, BALPA will fight for what is in the interest of BALPA. IPA will fight for what you want to do. But remember, if you want to go all the way through court you'll need legal cover.