There has been a suggestion here that PIA wasn’t necessary. Any of us who have been involved in/around for EB negotiations with QF has seen the Qantas ‘negotiation’ method too many times. The asymmetry in EA negotiations can only be countered by PIA, FWC approved PIA. Without PIA the company can simply stonewall pilots for as long as they need, allowing an expired agreement to drift along endlessly pursuant to an acceptance of reduced pay and conditions. In fact the granting of PIA is a tacit confirmation from the FWC that pilots have no other tool at their disposal.
I agree that PIA is inappropriate, but without it conditions continue to decay unabated, as has been proven during every EA negotiation for 20 or more years. If anyone can find an improved agreement that was reached without PIA I would like to see it.