Let’s be clear - the real issue is the fact that there is THIS MUCH disparity among pay scales in the 1st place. The going 12 yr CA rate at F9 is less by 40% than that of MOST other domestic airlines - the only ones that are comparable are either failing, in negotiations themselves or have been in business for less than 10 years. That’s crazy.

Simple business economics would suggest only one thing about that kind of discrepancy (given that F9 isn’t a startup and has been in business for 10+ years) is that they cannot compete in the market as currently structured. They have 2 options - change their business strategy and find an investor that believes in that new strategy or eventually be forced to stop operating (sell/merge/dissolve). Those are the options. The ONLY reason they continue to be able operate IS BECAUSE of the seniority system.

So, what you mention is or has been the sentiment ever since the seniority system was installed. Vote with your feet. There isn’t a single 121 pilot anywhere who doesn’t understand the ramifications of this. I’m guessing you left - what if at some point F9 were to merge with your current airline? You’d now be jr to many of your F9 classmates (and probably a few classes behind yours). There are other factors as well.

Arguing whether or whether not to do this is a personal decision and quite frankly is a distraction from the real issue. Attrition is happening and taking care of itself. Encouragement from so called “others” who supposedly left sounds like pettiness or buyers remorse (and I’m guessing you’re not remorseful).