The pay in most smaller Part 135 outfits in Alaska is comparable and set by the need to make a profit, even if only a small one, or go out of business. I have not seen any of the operators raising pay yet nor expanding. It might happen, and I hope it does, but the cost will have to be passed on to the customer. The company I work for is not a low pay company nor one that tries to cheat the pilots. We pride ourselves on having an experienced, conservative group of pilots and our reputation is the main reason we are still a successful business.
Your assumption that all companies are set up to oppress the pilots is silly.
I have seen a drop in the number of flights over the last few years, the gravy days are over I fear.
I admit that I am a conspiracy theorist and the federal government attacks on Alaskan business, especially oil and gas and mining, has been relentless. The effect has been to depress the economy and thus take away the money needed to increase wages, as well as other valid uses for money one makes in excess of that needed to cover costs, and aviation is an integral part of this. If there is no money, where does the extra come from to give the pilots more? If there is no demand for the service as provided, surely it makes more sense to cut back on operations?
The pilots I talk to rarely say that the money offered is not enough. They will leave me for other opportunities where they get more time off, a more reasonable schedule (we are on-demand) or the chance to live in town instead of in the bush. Some of the guys who leave come back because the outfit that poached them goes out of business, or the promises of pay were lies, or the work schedule was not as advertised. I always welcome them, I have been there too and understand.
I do not agree with the type of pilot who claims that the only thing needed is to increase pay. That type of pilot does not fit in here. We are a great company to work for and the flying is outstanding. The airplanes are in exceptionally good condition and we cut no corners. We pass audits from the largest oil companies as well as the DOT, DOD and FAA. Either the pilot accepts the pay and conditions or he does not hire on. Alaska is an at-will state and he is free to come or go as he pleases.
I suppose that your statement that it is absurd for the FAA to set about to destroy aviation is true, but it is happening. I have lots of buddies in the FAA and I speak openly to them about the 1500 hour requirement and the effect it has had. Most will agree with me and none say their hands have been tied. When I heard about the changes I commented on the proposal, but my comments were not accepted, obviously. The FAA could have stood their ground if they had the welfare of the industry in mind, but they did not. The Congress are not aviators, have no knowledge of aviation, and made a bad decision. Who else to change their minds but the FAA? Now we have a situation where foreign pilots with 400 hours total are operating into and out of the US in the right seat of B747 and similar, but a US pilot who wants to be a SIC on a SAAB in regional part 121 has to have a degree, the written ATP and 1500 hours. Anyone with only a lizard brain can see that this is not only stupid, it is unworkable. Who had the final say? Me? No, it was the FAA.
How much damage will be done before the rule is changed? It has already been altered, with cutouts for special cases, due to the damage it has been doing to flight training schools, and eventually it will be rolled back to the point that it would be still in effect but weakened enough to save part of the industry, but the damage is being done right now and the effect is being felt right now.
Bringing in a bunch of Ockers might be just the thing needed to show the American public what their own government has been doing to them.