If you think management is playing hard ball now, they still have another card up their sleeve. Agmonst all the requiremets to obtain your ATP for hiring, there is NO REQUIREMENT for a college degree by the FAA. Many companies require it but they know it's not a FAA requirement. Not requiring the degree for hiring would triple the flood gates tomorrow. Don't think management won't go down that road if they think that will keep down employee cost.
Imagine high school grads in the FO seat in the majors. Would they want to get paid? If so, how much do you think they will work for? I assume there would be at least one H.S. grad bus driver that would give the MAJORS a try and take an initial pay cut!!!
My profession is Real Estate and you're paid on what you negotiate, nothing more. Get as much as you can, whenever you can. And, if you get that capitalist bug to strike out on your own from management, the rewards can be tremendous.