Not sure I understand all this "talk" about fix QOL, "I'm happy with the pay rates".

I think one point that we have been missing is inflation, which has been historically low. Let's assume that inflation is 3%(pick your own number). so if one is making 200k a year then you would have to make 206K next year to "keep up with inflation" ?..........that is a fool's bet. By the time I pay the taxes on that $6000 increase to "keep up with inflation"....I'm still losing out

Consequently, pay rates must go up by at least 1.35 time the inflation rate(even more if you live in a state with state tax)(CA it's broaching 12%)(and union dues).....for these individuals need to go up about 1.5 times the inflation rate just to maintain status quo with inflation. I suggest that too many pilots look at the $$$$$ increase and say "Oh, goody" and don't really parse out the nuances of inflation COMBINED with tax implications. This is prolly even more true of guys down in years 1-12 where they get longevity raises on top of the annual negotiated pay raise( their manna from heaven) doubles the rate of those who have "graduated high school" (post grades 1-12)

So, IMO, pay rates need to to be paired with scope as the top line priority......far, far ahead of the other "trivial" stuff. Better medical would be nice.....but some don't use the Delta plan so they are "subsidizing" other pilots gains, whereas an across the board pay rate would affect all equally. Same is true of DH/ RR/crew meals etc