Those familiar with the "dispute" in Australia in 2011 will note many themes similar.
Olivia Wirth, the ever charming Qantas
PR porte parole, mouthed that Qantas pilots (paraphrasing) "demanded massages and first class travel" Ever the one to leave out pertinent detail, she neglected to mention that "massages" could be had in first class lounges and that Qantas pilots on duty travel asked for lounge access. First Class travel is something many airlines give to senior employees and unfortunately for Qantas
PR that includes senior pilots (Captains)
So expect more of the same, after all it is the same IR playbook.
Pulling back the curtain though, their threats are hollow. They make close to zero operating revenue from their desk and they know it...