I am sure some airline executives want flying to be automated as much as possible. Not too long ago there was flight engineer, and a bit longer ago there were navigator and radio operator. Having no pilot may sounds like a far stretch for now, but it's somewhat likely that the number of pilots can be reduced, especially on long haul flights, just like ETOPS. Also some of the commercial flights, such as those operated by Harbour Air and those bush planes in the three territories, have long been operated by single pilot. My point is, the current pilot shortage may not last as long as people think.

And this is one of the reasons the new hires have such low pay comparing to the senior pilots. They can't afford to strike, they don't have much bargaining power.