Thing is 50 50, you and your buddy's should have done the research before you spent the coin on a pilot's licence. There's only one group of people that can change pilot remuneration. There's an award, an employer must pay the award. If they're allowed to get away with not paying the award who's responsible? I'm guessing it's whomever's flying 'clapped out C182's' on their way up the greasy pole.