I think the tired line of "they're just doing what they're supposed to" or "mgmt's job is to get us to fly for free" is a HUGE disservice to employees everywhere and a gross rationalizing of incompetent and greedy "me first/I got mine" executives.

There have been and still are today plenty of companies that provide great jobs with good pay and wonderful benefits, I.e. treat their employees well and yet still make massive profits. A GOOD company does NOT make its profits at the EXPENSE of its employees.

Historically there's even been a few airlines who've managed to figure out that formula for at least a time. See FedEx pre-flying tigers merger or Southwest in its heyday.

A really good management team realizes that their employees are an asset to be taken care of and that providing good qol thru pay and benefits generates happy employees who are more productive, provide better service, and generate sustainable long term profits. The problem is so many executive, bod's and shareholders these days don't care about long term. It's all me me me NOW NOW NOW.


EDIT: also, if you're a line holding captain you've been here for at least 3+ years. If you say they've never violated the contract on you I'd easily bet you just don't know the contract as well as you probably should.