Tony, that mentality is so short sighted that it forced me off the side lines to comment.
While it's true that pilots have always ate their young, we are entering into unprecedented times. We no longer have a lengthy list of young candidates, eager to be consumed. If we can't attract new pilots, the pain that is normally felt by the newly minted, junior, pilots will begin to work its way up the list. Let's not forget, two pilots are required for all flights. Without a steady stream of new hires, upgrades that put more cushion underneath existing captains, move long over due first officers into the left seat, and advance those suffering on reserve to line holder status, won't happen. In fact, the opposite is more likely, i.e. displacements and further stagnation.
Our company is situated horribly right now. We have a very senior, expensive, pilot group, we don't have any money, don't offer a flow or preferrential interview, can't offer a quick time off reserve, not even to mention upgrades. All of our competitors can offer some, and or, all of the above. We need something to make us an attractive option, and pay is about the only card we can play, and that might not even work.
Now is not the time to get puffy chested. The union is here to represent the pilots, but you've got to be kidding me when you say that it should not help the company. All of our QOL will improve if we are able to attract new pilots, and last I checked I've never received a pay check signed by ALPA. The health, viability and success of this company matter to me.
Try to see the forest through the trees.