The two main factors that changed this industry and turned it from being a brilliant job to what it is today are :
1) privatisation- this is now the case in every industry which has led to a reliance on keeping shareholders happy by keeping the bottom line in the black. Gone are the days where you worked your way to a management position spending 40yrs with the same company. CEO's typically have a 5 yr tenor and aim for big bonuses. Screwing employees and the long term effects of cost cutting are not their problem when they move to the next company. Management don't give a sh!+ about experience anymore and just need a bum on a seat that can pass a check ride ( which are a joke these days).
2) the biggest factor in the reduction of T&C's are the pilots who are willing to pay for their type rating and even worse those stupid enough to pay for line training.
These people have proven to management that pilots are willing to screw each other over just to get ahead therefore helping management to pit us against each other and increase their bonuses, the divide and conquer principal.
In their short sightedness thinking that by paying now you would be rewarded in the future well think again. The long term effects of your decision will haunt you as every airline jumps on the 'cut at all cost cutting' band wagon.
