Don't know. You tell me. I just know that Delta pays PS to new hires on the basis of W2. United doesn't. It's not IRS regulations as was proffered before.
So new hires,the lowest guys on the totem pole, on probationary pay, flying the line, generating profits.....are deemed unworthy? Someone negotiated the contract that way and someone ratified it. Maybe it needs changing, maybe not.
Like I said, if a newb bases his decision on where to go on this(or they deem it significant) I'd rather they not apply at my airline

BTW, what would u call it if you don't like "eat their young"
.......illogical....egregious... better for the other guys...."pay your dues" ....appropriate when taken in toto...reasonable.... ???? Justify it by saying "Well, I'll buy them a pop on the layover" IDK just curious