You need to get the basic pay level increased.
The ALAEA can organise all sorts of deals that give current employees an acceptable pay rise along with a 3% increase(ie extra points, bonuses, quota adjustments, profit share etc).
However this only benefits the encumbents and does not attract good people. No one in with half a brain would agree to to do an 4 year apprenticeship to finish up on approx $45KPA approx with extremely limited prospects of career advancement, as QF currently offers.
The ALAEA needs to break the thinking that 3% is the best on offer. It belittles yourselves and the occupation of Licences Aircraft Maintenance Engineer.
As an example: I left QF after 20 yrs as a level 9 LAME and if I was to come back it would only be as a level 6. It's too easy to find employment that pays better than a level 6 LAME. I would love to come back, (and I daresay QF could do with more experienced LAMES) but its easier to find something that pays more.
Go for 5% or nothing.