AMR pioneered the model we have today. They did that in 1982 and others followed. They also started the infamous B scale at the same time. Most pilots that voted to approve those contracts are likely retired already or are about to. Tom, I'd love to see the problem fixed but be careful with statements like you just made. My point is, the can of worms was opened years ago. Maybe approach the issue like we have a case of outsourced labor resulting in reduced service, reliability and even safety. Taking the stand that major pilot's benefit is the wrong approach. Work together, not against. I don't think that major pilots benefit (maybe they did initially, but IMHO no longer) from it but I do think the regional pilot does get shafted.

In 1982, I was in Jr High. I have been on both sides (used to fly pax for both reg and major) and I have always advocated one pay scale and flying for one group but don't rob Peter to pay Paul, it isn't necessary. Secure the flying first under the major current pay and negotiate next. Someone will always feel slighted in the process, they always do.

I have also flown turbo-props to 747. The fact that I made a pittance to fly a 19 pax Regional prop was ridiculous and embarrassing. I always thought it must be that killing only 19 lives justified the pay (sarcasm...). I enjoyed flying turboprops much more than the 747 I fly today. Airlines can afford to raise pay at the bottom, period. If they raise it and go out of business, so be it.

Rickair7777 has a very good point about the military argument in that it negates the avenue from military to airline bringing a lot of experience to the table. I have heard it before but believe it just continues the pit against groups, just a different group. One argument that someone posed is to give them credit for service and allow them to bid a higher group of a/c. Something to ponder but inevitably someone gets the feeling of being shafted. Depending where you are at in the food chain, your mileage may vary.