I asked some union guys about 1st year pay during negotiations. Don't remember the details but I took home that UPS sets probation rates, it's not necessarily negotiated. A management guy told me once that the low rate helps to weed out people who aren't committed to a career at Brown. I think it makes it harder to leave - you look at that year as essentially wasted. In the end, the year goes quick and once the money starts rolling in it doesnt stop. For comparison, a full year on this contract as a line holder flying a mixed schedule of domestic and international, you will gross a slight touch shy of a 12yr 76ER FO at Delta on their new TA (2016 aggregate rate from Oct 9th Negotiators Notepad, PS not included). That's not bad. Worth it, no doubt. Necessary? Absolutely not.