I would dispute that point as justification for lower wages. Modern jets DO have increased automation for increased safety (at least that's what the human factors engineers tell us). The automation does take the pilots out of the loop for most stick and rudder flying, although the automation allows better outcome in emergency's by reducing the risk of task saturation.

It's incumbent on all pilots to keep their skills sharp through whatever means needed, after all that's why we get paid the big bucks. Once pilots accept the role of a costumed button pusher (aka children of the magenta line), I would agree that bargaining power is lost.

So to get back on topic, if airlines are interested in balancing the risk of putting low time, low experience pilots in the cockpit of jets AND have adiquate margins of safety maybe an Ab Initio training program is the answer. Offering to pay off student loans in exchange for x number of years of service doesn't address the problem.