The best wages paid in AUS right now for LAME's per type is at Virgin Tech, and we've enjoyed an average 40% increase over 6 years with almost zero union support or influence.
We are under AWA's, get worked hard and paid well, and our GM refuses to engage in discussions with the union - doesn't need to. Job security is very high because we aren't over staffed, even with impending procedural changes (LAME free tarmac).
QF would do well to reduce its workforce by 50%, keep the good guys and pay them an extra 50% wages because they're worth it. Productivity would actually go up because the dead wood could float off down the river and the good guys would get there dues, returning motivation to once upon a time levels - I know because I've worked there. Of course the union won't ever support this because that means reduction in membership and therefore revenue.
2% disparity is a joke for either side to be going to such lengths, and what's wrong with a partly casual workforce anyway(?) - rates are good and it suits a lot of people working around VT/JQ never threatening the livelihoods of our permie guys.
The world has changed....move with the cheese