It's hard for the union because they don't have a whole lot of clout
The union has as much clout at it wants to. The union
is it's members.
Public opinion is bent by Mr. Dudley's media releases to this effect and the union look like red ragging rabble rousers
The
union is too public-opinion sensitive. Most people in oz have been subjected to the same sort of "belt-tightening" seen at AsA, and would be pretty suppportive, IMHO. Everyone is sick of it. The rhetoric is wearing thin; just read these forums. Workers at all levels (except senior management), in all industries, have seen their T&Cs eroded, so that their CEOs can collect obscene bonuses.
I was recently delayed because of a baggage handlers dispute of some sort. Although everyone was pissed off, the sympathy was tangible.
You might be shocked how much public support you could garner.