Interesting development in the USA
 

Yes saw that as well. In Europe we'd rather operate aircraft with two pilots and work them to death, for no extra pay, or simply stop expansion (airlines) than increase pay and general T&Cs. :rolleyes:

CP

In the part of Europe I'm working in, the best part of 60.000 whatevercurrency bonus after 5 years would end up at the tax office, Therefore nobody would accept that kind of contract and rather have 1000 more every month, which for the employer amounts to exactly the same but for the employee will result in 30000 more in the bank account. Treat your crews well and pay them well and they will not run away.

I despise signing bonuses. Look at the regionals in the States. They'd rather pay signing bonuses when times are good and it's hard to find enough pilots willing to work for crappy money than raising the general wages because you'll be stuck with them once the industry hits rockbottom again.
Good for the company, bad for the crews.

As mentioned before... a good employer won't have to pay "loyalty bonuses" because pilots will actually want to work there and stick around.