Originally Posted by
Xdashdriver
I think you're getting a little mixed up. The contract doesn't reference "fully qualified pilots" at all in regards to employee status. The only difference in treatment occurs after your probationary period is up at a year with the company and has nothing to do with compensation. IIRC it is only the disciplinary section that kicks in after a year. You're a pilot employee the first day of ground school.
I'm speaking more in terms of managements position as to why they are able to (legally) pay one pilot group something and another a different wage.
There is legal precedence for this. Compass Airlines had a similar suit that went to mediation. We have a case and even reps in our union are aware of the precedence and the line that was crossed when offering the bonuses long term of the course of years. No doubt about it.