They knew and we knew back in 2014 that pilot shortages and pressure to raise pay would be coming. That's one of the reasons we kept voting no despite the threats. Starting back then they have been structuring their feed to stay the cheapest while everyone else's pay went up. Pay is a recruitment tool, but cheaper recruitment tools include flow, RTP, cadet programs, quick upgrades, shiny 175s, etc. They locked us into paying more for benefits and getting less per diem 10 years. They locked us out of having our pay rates being determined by comparing us to like-sized regionals (yes, that used to be in our contract) right when like-sized regionals were starting get raises. The fact of the matter is that low morale is meaningless to them, unless it hurts recruitment. Which is why when the discussion boards get too negative you start seeing the management stooges posting on here.