With all due respect, I couldn't disagree with you more. I can't think of any other industry in which prospective employees and new hires are treated so poorly when they are expected to have such responsibility and are going to get paid so well later in their career. I know you've had your career frustrations, and the union helps heal those wounds with pay and benefits, but it's poor leadership to keep people in dark, make them wait, and generally treat them like crap.

I interviewed at two normal jobs as I transitioned from the military and a few airlines. I was very surprised at the difference in the way I was treated by the airlines compared to "normal" companies. (Expenses reimbursed, hotel, and rental car at interview location)

When a job offer came in from the regular company, a comprehensive package was FedEx'ed and I could tell them a start date. On the other hand, I got a one page letter from DAL with no details on pay or benefits and a vague guess as to start date that turned out to be very incorrect. In five months, I recieved one email with a status update. They are certainly going to lose talent in the long run.

Communication is cheap. Keep your people informed.