Aviation only works if there are way more pilots than jobs. If there is an abundance of pilots we just end up subsidizing the cost of doing business out of our own pockets. If there is a shortage of pilots the system grinds to a halt.
If you are routinely driving pilots out of the business because of QOL, or working them into chronic fatigue, or cant afford to pay a living wage after year 1 you aren't charging enough for your services, and may soon be shutting your doors due to lack of employees.
Aviation is has always had pilot shortages alternating with job shortages, but this time its different. Less people are training to do this job, but there are more planes to fly.
Most pilots are disgusted with the fear mongering and profiteering that the airlines demonstrated after 9/11. The imposed contracts were no better than the guys that were charging 8 bucks a gallon for gas on 9/12/01.