While there is some squeeze on workforce, most is of Rios creation with the move to more contracted work (2016) in lieu of full time in house due to 'volatile ore prices'. There is also a major weather event thrown in which disrupted ports and and operations during the period. Rio is also operating at close to maximum capacity anyway until Koodaideri comes on line, which is fairly soon, that will add another 40 MgT of ore capability. Outside of that the wild iron ore prices are probably thanks to covid.
With regard to crews infuriated in WA. Us pilots in Victoria and NSW have been in lockdown and more or less permanent stand down, so while there is a little bit of sympathy for the plight of the few QF pilots that can't work or have to quarantine a while I assume still being paid. Many, if not most on the East coast have been existing on dole level income for close to 2 years, that's airlines domestic, long haul, short haul, regional, GA, even private pilots could not fly in Melbourne, we don't even have the option to fly and then quarantine. If you are an intrastate pilot in WA or any other state based worker you are probably working with reasonable income, and have been the whole pandemic, which I am happy for them.
If you choose to live in a state with known isolationist policies, times will happen when you are isolated from the world. The locals have chosen this path, they set a clear mandate to the government in the election.
The question is in a few years time when the state pushes for independence, will you stick with the republic of McGowan or move back to the Kingdom of Morrison.
