Short response...
The ONLY way that these carriers will improve their TREATMENT to us "over" qualified pilots and contract compliance is...
NO candidates applying, interviewing or renewing contracts!!! It's that's simple!
Been there, done that! Have a T-Shirt, and MORE!
In an ideal world that would be the best course of action. However as history has shown, pilots are their own enemies.
There are newbies willing to drop $40,000 for a type rating in a Boeing and sit in the right seat for 500 hours.
Pilots crossing picket lines.
Pilots working overtime knowing many from their company are furloughed.
And the list goes on,
Pilots of US Legacy Carriers rolled over, at the suggestion of their MECs, which some have gained employment within the management of their respective carriers, took cuts in pay, benefits, and QOL. The sad part no requirement of payback nor restoration of benefits.
It's no secret that Chinese and other foreign carriers have been very observant of how carriers in the US dish out the garbage and their pilots are happy to eat the scraps off the floor.
That said, if pilots are accustomed to crappy treatment, conditions, and abuse, why should the airlines change their ways?
Because it's the right thing to do??? Right.....