Originally Posted by
DropYourSocks
The only tool pilots have to prevent all of the above is negotiating scope. Scope is the reason US regionals have started to die, US mainline flying increased, and led to stronger bargaining positions.
Scope would be great, and as has been pointed out, mainline took PIA a decade ago to achieve it. But Qantas would rather ground the whole operation and blow over $200 million, than give it to us. Your post shows exactly why they will never allow it. The last thing they want is T&C’s matching the US majors.
In the past a lockout would be (and was) the only way to stop drawn out PIA. But as we have all seen, the IR landscape has changed and an Intractable Bargaining application can painlessly stop further PIA.
So if Qantas don’t want to give you scope and you can’t force the issue with PIA, what is your move? I’m fairly certain the FWC won’t serve it up in a determination. So do you accept the terms of the lowest subsidiary in exchange for scope? Now that surely would be a pyrrhic victory.