QANTASTIC,
My theory (and it is only a theory) is that QF LH and SH will eventually merge and become a sort of QF Mid-Haul. All the short hops will be done by Jetstar, and the point to point mid haul flights (say 14 hrs and less) will be done by QF Mid-Haul.
The point to point from destinations outside of AUS (eg. BKK-LHR) will be done by foreign based contract crew. (Ok that's the end of my theory heheh)
I agree with whomever mentioned that the new bases will be a bargaining tool used to further erode conditions and pay of current QF LH FAs. I am not a QF LH FA but do sincerely hope that my colleagues and friends from both SH and LH will stand united as if there are any cracks then Dickie will exploit them and everyone will end up losers.
I too believe those who are being offered the 10 month longhaul contracts will be used as strikebreakers at one time or another.
Frankly I think it's a bloody disgrace and totally un-Australian.
SG