Part of me feels badly for these people. A large part.

Don't.

There is no excuse for not knowing what you're getting into with the amount of information available.

I'm going to assume that they did know and felt like they had no other options. Can't believe anyone would not rather have the line job that was probably not offered to them.

What is the difference? I have read a thing or two but I don't really know the difference? Not covered by the CBA? Circumventing seniority? Different work rules?

Given some classes have gotten ONT, are there crashpads around? I'm very unfamiliar with that area, I've only seen it from above when flying a transcon. That would definitely be a tough commute from Miami...
Hella.

If somebody has no options in today’s job market they have no business giving IPA guys checkrides. I have no Ill for anyone in management but I definitely don’t feel sorry for them when they get UPS’d.

I’m thankful everyday for the IPA because this job would completely suck without it.

The difference ? No union, no contract, no ability to go back to the line like many other companies offer ... so now you know. ;)

Not covered by the CBA ? Correct

Circumventing seniority ? Correct

Different work rules ? Correct

An unearned shortcut to the left seat by someone that wouldn't wait their turn. Historically, some wouldn't even make the cut on the line pilot interview process.

They turned down date of hire seniority and union representation and as a reward had their medical and retirement cut. Nice move guys.

Wow why would anyone do that?

To be fair towards fact, there is little to no actual info on these positions aside from what us union folk put out on various forums by way of opinion.