Rick got it right - I have been saying for years that the longevity payscale - initiated by Frank Lorenzo btw is the bane of the regional industry. No one listened. Once the airline gets to a certain level of senior pilots the cry about costs and SHUT the operation down to start another.
If anyone can explain the difference in tasks that a 3 yr pilot and an 18 yr pilot - I'm all ears. I would argue that the 3 yr reserve is getting his butt kicked daily while the 18 yr guy is living the dream.
Whenever I discuss this concept I always get a deer in the headlights look and ALPA does nothing innovative but trudge along with status quo.
It's an old decadent organization that needs to be replaced with new blood.
While we are on the subject - RLA was crafted when workers had control of the workplace assets.
Now holding companies move the assets from property to property circumventing RLA. Think ALPA gives a rip? You would be wrong. Just make sure you get that dues checkoff box filled in.