I may have been lucky but over the many years I have always been paid close enough to what I was supposed to get. Yes sometimes a little under award but sometimes over the award when an operator values your work.
But as N.C. summised - you are free to choose the operator you work for.
NO one can force you to work for a shonk - It's your decision.
8 8ths Blue: I see no difference between those who work for free and those who 'exploit' the 'freebie'. If you have lost hours in the past then I hope you have learnt from that and go work for a decent operator or that you are currently working for a decent operator - they are out there.
I will give you a hint - They are usually the ones who have been around a while and have half decent fleets and have staff who stick around for at least a season or until they are ready for the next jump in their career.