Some companies require a re-current contract as well.
An example:
Company A required a 1 year initial type pro-rated contract on new hires.
Company A then requires a 6 month contract be signed for each re-current class.
For PICs, this means you have two very small windows per year to seek new employment without being on the hook for $$$.
I can see Initial type contracts as these are pricey and the true "value" to the pilot. But re-current contracts? Isn't that just part of the price of doing business?
How does one get a new job without incurring costs if you are literally under contract forever? Unless of course you refuse to do currency training