I think many need to take a realistic look at the passenger side of the industry and realize that this is the new normal. I don't mean this as a slam on anyone's career, just a realistic observation of what the industry is compared to what it used to be.
The passenger airline business model of years past
could support a labor force with good wages, benefits and QOL. That isn't the case anymore. There is way too much competition and not enough people
willing to pay realistic fares.
Each pilot would get paid base off of a ticket surcharge. Lets say $2 per passenger per leg for First Officers and $3 per leg for Captains. We could change the dollar about to whatever we and the company deem is fair. Five dollars per pax per leg for pilot wages.
The public doesn't want to spend $5 or $10 on a boxed lunch, and is even more upset with spending money to check in their bags. The last thing anyone wants is more nickel and diming by the airlines.