Because wage increases are indeed in the contract, but the meat of the contract is in expanded and protected work rules. The current pay, thanks to inflation, is now hurting their hiring and retention so its as much the company's problem as the FAs or Union. Applicants/new hires understand wages, they don't understand or care about work rules until pay is adequate.

Okay, but you said "the crappy pay predates TWU."

They have access to catering. Is there some cheese available to go with their whine?