Operators may eventually need to assume some of that risk to keep the equipment flying.
https://www.theguardian.com/technolo...rights-workers
As the contractor assumed responsibility for costs usually borne by an employer (think retirement and sick leave) the push continued unabated.
For pilots the risk and expense is substantial and a serious impediment. It is this reality and a sober assessment of terms and conditions that likely is in part responsible for the lack of qualified applicant.
Eventually airlines in Australia will have to abandon their adversarial posture and perhaps even realise that all the fancy bolt on bits of the modern corporation need revenue; for an airline that remains flying. Flying needs pilots.
It will be amusing to see faux smiles and media releases as airline managers through gritted teeth say pilots are
important and as a result our
airline is investing...and actually incur the cost instead of outsourcing it to the pilot. It has been amusing watching Mr O'Leary have to back off