As an ex-express pilot myself, ALPA has nobody but themselves to blame for the regionals taking over as much flying as they have. Why the hell did you guys let go of scope? Used to be that ALL jet flying was done by mainline. Period.
Know why? Cause UAL and AA and DAL colluded with Bombardier and got the term "regional" included in "regional jet". Ahhh look...see? It's a regional Jet. You don't want to fly that little thing! Besides, the CBA states that no Captain can make less than the highest paid FO. So we pay our senior 747 FO over 85K. We can't possible pay that much to a 1st year RJ Captain. See? We HAVE to send these little jets to the regionals.
And ALPA said, "uhhhh, uuhokay".
Dumbest decision ever. I knew it then (14 years ago) and it's obvious now. Even as a regional pilot flying the CRJ I was mad cause I knew that my current gig was the death of my dream. You mainline weenies stole my career. I'm not bitter as it turns out I found something better anyway, but I'll never get typed in a 744 or 777 and that's tad sad in my book.
Ya'll should stop blaming the puppymill generation and look in the mirror. You made the bed, now put your jammies on and get comfy.