Chaps....we need and can re-invent ourselves NOW.
Yes, it's a fact that the Scabs in '89 started the rot, yes it's true that
VB and then J* pilots undermined wages in a big way and yes it's true QF pilots were incredibly arrogant turning away the J* group etc (and still maybe are by fighting other bodies to get the right to represent certain pilots).
It's all true but it's old news. Bickering about it is futile, energy-sapping and stupid. Yes learn from it but GO FORWARD.
Now is the time to strike.
We need a corporate rebranding and restructuring. We need the
AAPP: Australian Association of Professional Pilots. Or some similar name.
This parent body would combine the assest and members of the existing pilot representative bodies in this country. It would have an International, Domestic, Regional and GA division (initially just transfer AIPA, AFAP, J*PG over lock stock and barrel). But it would have a President/CEO, VP, Secretary, Treasurer etc all elected by the members and bound by the constitution to protect the rights of all Australian Pofessional Pilots.
Sure, let those internal bodies bicker amongst themselves about who has the biggest willy, who is a better pilot etc but let that be done in-house, away from the gleeful watch of the vulturous Olmeadows of this world. At least then we present a united face, represented by ONE Association working for the betterment of all pilots.
This way you have the ability for many smart heads to bang together to determine smart, 21st-Century ways of applying industrial pressure on recalcitrant employers and bypassing and outsmarting current workplace legislation.
And you do this as a cohesive and (at least outwardly) united body and don't publically waste energy fighting your fellow professional aviator about who did what to whom etc.
NOW is the first opportunity in 20 years we have had to do this.
Go for it.