The only way we will ever make any real headway as pilots is if the airlines can't find people to work. And the only way to make that happen would be to uproot the current longevity system as it exists. It would be a drastic change, and for that reason I doubt we'll see it happen any time soon, but...

I would suggest hiring pilots into a contract for their specific seat at a given pay rate. I would then tie that pay rate to the CPI and add something like a 4-5% annual increment to it. This would eliminate probationary year pay and force airlines to offer a reasonable wage at the first year. It would effectively allow pilots to jump around between airlines and therefore increase pay competition.

Things start to get messy, however, when you talk about moving to new aircraft and switching seats. Perhaps moving to a larger type would guarantee an add-on to your wage, but I think the rates for different aircraft would have to be a bit tighter than they are now. It would be reasonable to think most airlines could get away with just a narrowbody and widebody rate for each seat. Then, say if you were a narrowbody FO at Delta and American had a better narrowbody or widebody FO rate, you would just leave (assuming they would hire you). The same would be held true for captains. Upgrade would basically be dictated by the combination of pilot experience and what the airline is offering for pay. One wouldn't have to worry about being hired at the right time and place to find the quickest path to the left seat.

Obviously there would be several other effects if a system like this were in place. The ultimate goal being to get airlines to compete for your labor. I would hope the competition would force airlines to guarantee more days off (a la SWA), but I suppose your schedule would still have to be seniority/longevity based. Additionally, airlines would have incentive to make your package more attractive over time as every time someone leaves for another airline, they have to train a new person.

Just a pipe dream, but food for thought I guess...